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What is Rectal Prolapse?

Rectal prolapse in adults is a rare condition that happens when some or all of the tissue that lines the rectum sticks out of the anus. It is most common in older women but can happen in men and women of all ages.

What causes rectal prolapse?

Women who have had more than one baby delivered through the vagina are more likely to get rectal prolapse. Other health conditions that can make rectal prolapse more likely include:

Long-term bowel problems such as:

Constipation - This means your bowel movements are too hard or small, difficult to get out, and happen fewer than 3 times per week.

Straining during bowel movements

Diarrhoea – This means your bowel movements are watery or runny and happen more than 3 times a day.

Problems in the pelvic area, including weak muscles or a history of pelvic surgery.

When to suspect Rectal Prolapse

The main symptom is bright red tissue sticking out of the anus. The tissue might have mucus or blood on it. Rectal prolapse is not usually painful but can be uncomfortable. The tissue might stay outside the anus or move back inside the body.

Other symptoms include:

Trouble starting a bowel movement

Feeling like you have not fully emptied your bowels

Leaking solid or liquid bowel movements (called "fecal incontinence")

How prolapse is treated

The treatment depends on how serious your symptoms are and if you have other health problems. Whatever treatment you have, your doctor will likely tell you to:

Eat foods that have a lot of fiber. Good choices are fruits, vegetables, prune juice, and cereals. You should eat between 25 to 30 grams of fiber per day.

Drink 4 to 8 cups of water or other fluids per day.

Other treatments include:

Laxatives - These are medicines that help make bowel movements easier to get out. Some are pills that you swallow. Others go into the rectum and are called "suppositories."

Enemas -  For this treatment, a doctor or nurse squirts fluid into your rectum to help empty your bowels.

Pelvic floor exercises with biofeedback – These exercises strengthen the muscles that control the flow of urine and bowel movements.

Surgical treatment for rectal prolapse

Doctors use different kinds of surgery to fix rectal prolapse. The surgery is done either through the belly (Rectopexy) or in some cases; it is done through the area between the genitals and the anus, called the "perineum." (perineal rectosigmoidectomy and delorme procedure)