Rectal prolapse

Rectal prolapse
Other namesComplete rectal prolapse, external rectal prolapse
A. full thickness external rectal prolapse, and B. mucosal prolapse. Note circumferential arrangement of folds in full thickness prolapse compared to radial folds in mucosal prolapse.[1]
SpecialtyGeneral surgery

A rectal prolapse occurs when walls of the rectum have prolapsed to such a degree that they protrude out of the anus and are visible outside the body.[2] However, most researchers agree that there are 3 to 5 different types of rectal prolapse, depending on whether the prolapsed section is visible externally, and whether the full or only partial thickness of the rectal wall is involved.[3][4]

Rectal prolapse may occur without any symptoms, but depending upon the nature of the prolapse there may be mucous discharge (mucus coming from the anus), rectal bleeding, degrees of fecal incontinence, and obstructed defecation symptoms.[5]

Rectal prolapse is generally more common in elderly women, although it may occur at any age and in either sex. It is very rarely life-threatening, but the symptoms can be debilitating if left untreated.[5] Most external prolapse cases can be treated successfully, often with a surgical procedure. Internal prolapses are traditionally harder to treat and surgery may not be suitable for many patients.

  1. ^ Hammond K, Beck DE, Margolin DA, Whitlow CB, Timmcke AE, Hicks TC (Spring 2007). "Rectal prolapse: a 10-year experience". The Ochsner Journal. 7 (1): 24–32. PMC 3096348. PMID 21603476.
  2. ^ Altomare DF, Pucciani F (2007). Rectal Prolapse: Diagnosis and Clinical Management. Springer. p. 12. ISBN 978-88-470-0683-6.
  3. ^ Kim DG. "ASCRS core subjects: Prolapse andIntussusception". ASCRS. Retrieved 14 October 2012.
  4. ^ Kiran RP. "How stapled resection can treat rectal prolapse". Contemporary surgery online. Retrieved 14 October 2012.
  5. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference ASCRS Prolapse, Intussusception, SRUS was invoked but never defined (see the help page).