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Which position is best for a rectal exam? study seeks answer
NCT ID NCT01727388
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026
Summary
This study compared two common positions for a digital rectal exam: lying on your side (lateral decubitus) versus lying on your back (supine). The goal was to see which position allows doctors to perform a more complete exam. The study involved 320 men with conditions like colon cancer, rectal bleeding, or hernia. Results could help guide doctors in choosing the best position for this important exam.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could help doctors choose the best position for a more thorough rectal exam, potentially improving detection of issues.
- What could go wrong
- This is a completed study, so results are available. However, it only included men, so findings may not apply to everyone.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Phase 3
Large-scale testing in a bigger group. Usually the last step before a treatment can be approved.
- Participants
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320 people
The number who actually took part.
- Start date
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Nov 2012
- Finished
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Mar 2013
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Male participants only
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * colon or upper rectum cancer operated or not * recurrent of colon or upper rectum cancer * rectal bleeding * hernia Exclusion Criteria: * woman * paraplegic man * bedridden patient * current or previous pelvic radiotherapy * History of prostatectomy * emergency
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Amiens Universitary Hospital
Amiens, France
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Beauvais General Hospital
Beauvais, France
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