Rectal prolapse is when the tissue that lines the rectum falls down into or sticks through the anal opening.
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsRectal prolapse occurs most often in children under age 6 and in the elderly. It is often associated with the following conditions:
The main symptom is a reddish-colored mass that sticks out from the opening of the anus, especially following a bowel movement. The lining of the rectal tissue may be visible and may bleed slightly.
Signs and testsThe health care provider will perform a physical exam, which may include a rectal exam. Tests will be done to determine the underlying cause.
TreatmentCall your health care provider if a rectal prolapse occurs. In some cases, the prolapse can be treated at home.
The rectal mucosa must be returned to the rectum manually. A soft, warm, wet cloth is used to apply gentle pressure to the mass to push it back through the anal opening. The affected person should be in a knee-chest position before applying pressure to allow gravity to help return the prolapse.
Immediate surgery for repair is seldom needed. The underlying condition must be treated.
Expectations (prognosis)Treating the underlying condition usually cures the problem. In otherwise-healthy elderly patients with recurrent rectal prolapse, surgery can repair anatomic problems that predispose them to prolapse.
ComplicationsCall your health care provider promptly if there is a rectal prolapse.
PreventionTreating the underlying condition usually prevents further rectal prolapse.
Rectal prolapse repair is surgery to fix a rectal prolapse, in which the rectum (the last part of the colon) protrudes through the anus.
DescriptionRectal prolapse may be partial, involving only the mucosa. Or it may be complete, involving the entire wall of the rectum. It can occur in children but is much more common in older people.
Rectal prolapse in infants often gets better on its own and does not require surgery. Children with the following conditions are at greatest risk:
Rarely the condition can be caused by acute diarrhea or straining to pass stool while constipated.
Rectal prolapse is most common in older adults with a long history of constipation or weakness of the pelvic floor muscles. It is more common in women, especially those who have had a hysterectomy.
SYMPTOMS:
The symptoms of rectal prolapse include:
This condition can be confused with hemorrhoids but is different.
SURGERY:
Surgery is required to correct rectal prolapse in adults and in some children. Most surgical procedures for rectal prolapse are done under general anesthesia. For older or sicker patients, epidural or spinal anesthesia may be used.
There are three basic types of surgery to repair rectal prolapse. Your surgeon will decide which one is best for you.
For healthy adults, an abdominal procedure has the best chance of success. While you are under general anesthesia, the doctor makes a surgical cut in the abdomen and removes a portion of the colon. The rectum may be attached (sutured) to the surrounding tissue.
Sometimes a soft piece of mesh is wrapped around the rectum to help it stay in place. This procedure can also be done with laparoscopic surgery (also known as "keyhole" or "telescopic" surgery).
For older adults or those with other medical problems, an approach from below (perineal approach) might be less risky. However, with the perineal procedure, the condition will be more likely to come back (recur).
While you are under general, epidural, or spinal anesthesia, the prolapsing rectum or colon can be treated from the pelvic floor (perineum). The doctor will either remove a portion of the colon or suture the rectum to the surrounding tissues, or both.
Very frail or sick patients may need a small procedure to reinforce the sphincter muscles. This technique encircles the muscles with a band of soft mesh or a silicone tube. This approach provides only temporary improvement and is rarely used.
IndicationsFor children, rectal prolapse does not always require surgery. However, children whose rectal prolapse does not improve over time may need surgery. Infant prolapse often disappears without treatment.
Surgery to repair rectal prolapse is advised for most adults.
RisksRisks for any anesthesia include the following:
Risks for any surgery include the following:
Other risks include:
The surgery is usually effective in repairing the prolapse. The long-term prognosis is good. Constipation and incontinence can be a problem for some patients.
ConvalescenceHospital time depends on the procedure used. Average stay for open abdominal procedures is 5-8 days and is shorter for laparoscopic surgery. Average stay for perineal surgery (approach from below) is 2-3 days. Expect complete recovery in 4-6 weeks.
ReferencesFry RD, Mahmoud N, Maron DJ, Ross HM, Rombeau J. Colon and Rectum. In: Townsend CM Jr, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL. Townsend: Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2008:chap 50.
Rectal prolapse occurs when the tissue that lines the rectum falls down into or sticks through the anal opening.
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsRectal prolapse occurs most often in children under age 6 and in the elderly. It is often associated with the following conditions:
The main symptom is a reddish-colored mass that sticks out from the opening of the anus, especially following a bowel movement. The lining of the rectal tissue may be visible and may bleed slightly.
Signs and testsThe health care provider will perform a physical exam, which may include a rectal exam. Tests will be done to determine the underlying cause.
TreatmentCall your health care provider if a rectal prolapse occurs. In some cases, the prolapse can be treated at home.
The rectal mucosa must be returned to the rectum manually. A soft, warm, wet cloth is used to apply gentle pressure to the mass to push it back through the anal opening. The affected person should be in a knee-chest position before applying pressure to allow gravity to help return the prolapse.
Immediate surgery for repair is seldom needed. The underlying condition must be treated.
Expectations (prognosis)Treating the underlying condition usually cures the problem. In otherwise healthy elderly patients who have repeated rectal prolapse, surgery can repair physical problems that make prolapse more likely to occur.
ComplicationsCall your health care provider promptly if there is a rectal prolapse.
PreventionTreating the underlying condition usually prevents further rectal prolapse.
ReferencesLembo AJ, Ullman SP. Constipation. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisinger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saudners Elsevier;2010:chap 18.
Fry RD, Mahmoud N, Maron DJ, Ross HM, Rombeau J. Colon and rectum. In: Townsend CM Jr., Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 50.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 07/05/2010
Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; and George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San Diego, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
Rectal prolapse repair is surgery to fix a rectal prolapse , in which the last part of the colon (called the rectum) sticks out through the anus.
DescriptionRectal prolapse may be partial, involving only the mucosa. Or it may be complete, involving the entire wall of the rectum. It can occur in children, but is much more common in older people.
Surgery is needed to correct rectal prolapse in adults and some children. Most surgical procedures for rectal prolapse are done under general anesthesia. For older or sicker patients, epidural or spinal anesthesia may be used.
There are three basic types of surgery to repair rectal prolapse. Your surgeon will decide which one is best for you.
For healthy adults, an abdominal procedure has the best chance of success. While you are under general anesthesia, the doctor makes a surgical cut in the abdomen and removes a portion of the colon. The rectum may be attached (sutured) to the surrounding tissue.
Sometimes a soft piece of mesh is wrapped around the rectum to help it stay in place. This procedure can also be done with laparoscopic surgery (also known as "keyhole" or "telescopic" surgery).
For older adults or those with other medical problems, an approach from below (perineal approach) might be less risky. However, with the perineal procedure, the condition will be more likely to come back (recur).
While you are under general, epidural, or spinal anesthesia, the prolapsing rectum or colon can be treated from the pelvic floor (perineum). The doctor will remove a portion of the colon, suture the rectum to the surrounding tissues, or both.
Very frail or sick patients may need a small procedure to reinforce the sphincter muscles. This technique encircles the muscles with a band of soft mesh or a silicone tube. This approach provides only temporary improvement and is rarely used.
Why the Procedure is PerformedFor children, rectal prolapse does not always require surgery. However, children whose rectal prolapse does not improve over time may need surgery. Infant prolapse often disappears without treatment.
Surgery to repair rectal prolapse is advised for most adults.
RisksRisks for any anesthesia include the following:
Risks for any surgery include the following:
Other risks include:
During the 2 weeks before your surgery:
The day before your surgery:
On the day of your surgery:
How long you stay in the hospital depends on the procedure. The average stay for open abdominal procedures is 5 - 8 days. You will go home sooner if you had laparoscopic surgery. The average stay for perineal surgery is 2 - 3 days. You should make a complete recovery in 4 - 6 weeks.
Outlook (Prognosis)The surgery is usually effective in repairing the prolapse. The long-term outlook is good. Constipation and incontinence can be problems for some patients.
ReferencesFry RD, Mahmoud N, Maron DJ, Ross HM, Rombeau J. Colon and Rectum. In: Townsend CM Jr, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL. Townsend: Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2008:chap 50.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 05/17/2010
Shabir Bhimji, MD, PhD, Specializing in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Midland, TX. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
A complete rectal prolapse occurs when the rectum protrudes through the anus.
Rectal prolapse is when a part of your rectum, which is usually an internal structure, pokes out through your anus. There are differing degrees depending on how far it comes out and how difficult it is to get it back in place.
Rectal prolapse is when the entire wall of the rectum or the rectal mucosa protrudes (bursts). It usually only protrudes by a few centimeters. It is uncommon however mostly occurs in young children and the elderly.
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The overall incidence of rectal prolapse in the United States is approximately 4.2 per 1,000 people.10 per 1,000 among patients older than 65. Most patients with rectal prolapse are women; the ratio of male-to-female patients is one in six.
Get the veterinarian out immediately. The rectal prolapse in your bull calf could merely be a symptom of something more serious that needs to be addressed right away.
Rectal prolapse is most common in people over age 60, and occurs much more frequently in women than in men.
occurs when an organ falls or sinks out of its normal anatomical place.Factors that are linked to the development of rectal prolapse include age,repeated childbirth,constipation,ongoing physical activity,heavy lifting,prolapse of other pelvic organs.
Rectal prolapse is uncommonly caused by sex.
Rectal prolapse can be caused by diarrhea or straining when defecating. It can be caused by a slip or fall, cold temperatures, or stocking densities that do not allow pigs to lie down properly. Nutrition is also a factor.
The term is rectal prolapse. Age, long-term constipation, and the stress of childbirth, may cause these ligaments and muscles to weaken, which means that the rectum's attachment to the body also weakens. This causes the rectum to prolapse, meaning it slips or falls out of place.
Infants and children usually recover completely without complications. Recovery in adults depends on age, general health, and the extent of the prolapse.