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Rectal prolapse occurs when the rectum passes through the anal opening.
Several factors influence its development, including pelvic floor defects, weakened anal sphincter muscles, an abnormally large colon, prolapse of the small intestine, constipation, diarrhoea and chronic cough.
The main symptom is pain during bowel movements, when the inner lining of the rectum protrudes through the anal opening. There may be slight bleeding.
Diagnosis is made by clinical history and physical examination, including a digital rectal examination. Additional tests may include blood tests and a colonoscopy.
Incomplete prolapse can be treated with a high-fibre diet. In complete cases, the alternative is surgery, which can be performed abdominally or perineally.
- Madhulika G Varma, MD, Scott R Steele, MD, FACS, FASCRS. Overview of rectal procidentia (rectal prolapse). Uptodate. Mar 02, 2017.
- Wijffels NA, Collinson R, Cunningham C, Lindsey I. What is the natural history of internal rectal prolapse? Colorectal Dis 2010; 12:822.
- Kumar AS. Prolapse: What is that hanging outside of me? whcenter.org/documents/cme/Kumar_Prolapse_WhatIsThat.pdf (Accessed on January 04, 2012).
- Moreno-Osset E., Mínguez Pérez M., Benages Martínez A. Enfermedades del recto y del ano. Farreras Rozman. Medicina Interna. Volumen 1. 12º edición. 201:202.
- Ahmed Rizwan, Gearhart Susan L. Diverticulosis y trastornos anorrectales frecuentes. Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna. Volumen 2. 19º Edición. 1973:1974
Dr. Oscar Garcia-Esquirol
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