Objective: The aim of the study was to develop recommended techniques and quality assurance metrics for the practice of Digital Anal Rectal Examination (DARE).
Materials and methods: The International Anal Neoplasia Society undertook a literature review and, using the AGREE II technique, developed guidelines for performing DARE.
Results: A consensus was formed regarding the optimum conditions and characteristics of DARE. Several Quality Assurance metrics were developed.
Conclusions: Digital Anal Rectal Examination is a cheap and potentially universally available technique, which has the potential to facilitate the early diagnosis of anal cancers, when they are most amenable to treatment. These guidelines provide a basis for teaching the technique and may be used as for evaluation research.