Learn About Rectal Prolapse
Rectal prolapse occurs when the rectum sags and comes through the anal opening.
Procidentia; Rectal intussusception
The exact cause of rectal prolapse is unclear. Possible causes may include any of the following:
- An enlarged opening due to relaxed muscles in the pelvic floor, which is formed of muscles around the rectum
- Loose muscles of the anal sphincter
- An abnormally long colon
- Downward movement of the abdominal cavity between the rectum and uterus
- Prolapse of the small intestine
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Chronic coughing and sneezing
A prolapse can be partial or complete:
- With a partial prolapse, the inner lining of the rectum bulges partly from the anus.
- With a complete prolapse, the entire rectum bulges through the anus.
Rectal prolapse occurs most often in children under age 6 years. Health problems that may lead to prolapse include:
- Cystic fibrosis
- Intestinal worm infections
- Long-term diarrhea
- Other health problems present at birth
In adults, it is usually found with constipation, or with a muscle or nerve problem in the pelvic or genital area.
The main symptom is a reddish-colored mass that sticks out from the opening of the anus, especially after a bowel movement. This reddish mass is actually the inner lining of the rectum. It may bleed slightly and can be uncomfortable and painful.
Contact your provider if a rectal prolapse occurs.
In some cases, the prolapse can be treated at home. Follow your provider's instructions on how to do this. The rectum must be pushed back inside manually. A soft, warm, wet cloth is used to apply gentle pressure to the mass to push it back through the anal opening. The person should lie on one side in a knee-chest position before applying pressure. This position allows gravity to help put the rectum back into position.
Immediate surgery is rarely needed. In children, treating the cause often solves the problem. For example, if the cause is straining because of dry stools, laxatives may help. If the prolapse continues, surgery may be needed.
In adults, the only cure for rectal prolapse is a procedure that repairs the weakened anal sphincter and pelvic muscles.
Pierpaolo Sileri practices in Milan, Italy. Sileri and is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Rectal Prolapse. Their top areas of expertise are Rectal Prolapse, Anal Fissure, Gastrointestinal Fistula, Hemorrhoidectomy, and Ileostomy.
Stanford Health Care
Brooke Gurland is a General Surgeon and a Colorectal Surgeon in Stanford, California. Dr. Gurland and is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Rectal Prolapse. Her top areas of expertise are Rectal Prolapse, Bowel Incontinence, Levator Syndrome, Pelvic Laparoscopy, and Sacral Nerve Stimulation.
Ian Lindsey practices in Oxford, United Kingdom. Lindsey and is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Rectal Prolapse. His top areas of expertise are Rectal Prolapse, Bowel Incontinence, Intussusception in Children, Sacral Nerve Stimulation, and Endoscopy.
In children, treating the cause cures rectal prolapse. In adults, surgery usually cures the prolapse.
When rectal prolapse is not treated, constipation and loss of bowel control may develop.
Contact your provider right away if there is a rectal prolapse.
In children, treating the cause usually prevents rectal prolapse from happening again.
Summary: Obstructive defecatory syndrome (ODS) or inability to completely empty bowel is characterized by a combination of straining, incomplete evacuation, and the use of digital manipulation with bowel movement. This is a common condition with estimated incidence of 15-20% in the adult female population. Laparoscopic abdominal ventral rectopexy is an established surgical technique aimed at restoring rect...
Summary: Currently a multiport robotic surgery platform (Intuitive Xi) is widely available and used for colorectal surgery indications. A Single port platform (Intuitive SP) is FDA approved for Head and Neck and Urology but has not been widely used in colorectal surgery. This study seeks to evaluate the safe and effective use of the SP platform for colorectal surgery indications.
Published Date: May 29, 2024
Published By: Debra G. Wechter, MD, FACS, General Surgery Practice Specializing in Breast Cancer, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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