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Table 3 Anal examination in general practice

From: Prevalence of anal symptoms in general practice: a prospective study

Reasons GPs did not propose an anal examination

Patients (n = 75)

Another predominant cause of consultation

n = 24 (32%)

Lack of time

n = 21 (28%)

Patient already under treatment

n = 19 (25%)

Fear of embarrassing the patient

n = 4 (5%)

Patient directly addressed the proctologist

n = 4 (5%)

Other

n = 9 (1%)

Reasons GPs did not perform a digital rectal examination

Patients (n = 24)

Fear of causing pain

n = 10 (42%)

Absence of indication

n = 5 (21%)

Patient’s reluctance

n = 3 (12%)

Embarrassment

n = 2 (8%)

Lack of knowledge in proctology

n = 2 (8%)

Lack of time

n = 2 (8%)

Other

n = 5 (21%)

Reasons patients refused the anal examination

Patients (n = 32)

Discomfort

n = 11 (34%)

Anal symptoms considered of minor importance

n = 11 (34%)

Examination already performed for the symptom

n = 8 (25%)

Knowing the examination would be repeated by the specialist

n = 7 (22%)

Lack of time

n = 4 (12%)

Other

n = 2 (6%)