Why does rectal prolapse occur

Though it's a common assumption that rectal prolapse is associated with childbirth, about one-third of women with the condition have never had children. Rectal prolapse care at Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.

This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Rectal prolapse Open pop-up dialog box Close. Rectal prolapse Rectal prolapse occurs when the rectum becomes stretched out and protrudes from the anus. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic.

Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Cohee MW, et al. Typically, people who have had surgery spend 3 to 5 days in the hospital after the operation, and most make a complete recovery within 3 months.

After undergoing surgery for a rectal prolapse, people should avoid straining and heavy lifting for at least 6 months afterward. Hemorrhoids or piles are common irritations around the rectum and can be extremely painful. They are internal or external and can get bigger if not….

There are many reasons for rectal bleeding after wiping. We look at 11 causes here, along with the treatment options there are for each one. Learn about proctalgia fugax, how it is diagnosed, what treatments are available, and can lifestyle changes help?

What are other anorectal pain…. Bowel incontinence is a common complaint where a person loses some or all control over their bowel. Some people may not seek help, mistakenly…. Tenesmus is the feeling a person has when they cannot empty their bowels properly.

It can be a symptom of inflammatory bowel disease or colorectal…. Types Causes, risk factors, and related conditions Symptoms and complications When to see a doctor Diagnosis Treatment and management options Rectal prolapse or hemorrhoids?

Prevention Takeaway Rectal prolapse is when part of the rectum protrudes from the anus. Causes, risk factors, and related conditions. Share on Pinterest Rectal prolapse may be internal or external. Symptoms and complications. Share on Pinterest A prolapsed rectum may cause a number of symptoms, inluding constipation and bleeding from the rectum. When to see a doctor. Treatment and management options. Share on Pinterest If constipation cannot be treated, surgery may be recommended for treating the rectal prolapse.

Summary Read the full fact sheet. On this page. Symptoms of rectal prolapse Types of rectal prolapse Causes of rectal prolapse Complications of rectal prolapse Diagnosis of rectal prolapse Treatment for rectal prolapse Immediately after surgery for rectal prolapse Where to get help Things to remember.

The rectum is the last 20 cm or so of the large bowel. It is the temporary storage area for bowel motions. Rectal prolapse occurs when the rectum turns itself inside out and comes out through the anus. Without treatment, the rectum will eventually need to be pushed back in manually. Women are six times more likely to suffer rectal prolapse than men.

Children of both sexes under the age of three years are also commonly affected by rectal prolapse, although the prolapse tends to resolve by itself without the need for surgery. In the early stages of rectal prolapse, a portion of the rectum slips out while passing a bowel motion, but it goes back inside by itself.

Symptoms of rectal prolapse The symptoms of rectal prolapse depend on the severity, but can include: Pain and discomfort felt deep within the lower abdomen Blood and mucus from the anus The feeling of constipation, or that the rectum is never completely emptied after passing a motion Difficulties passing a bowel motion Protrusion of the rectum through the anus The need to use huge quantities of toilet paper to clean up following a bowel motion Leakage of liquefied faeces, particularly following a bowel motion Faecal incontinence, or reduced ability to control the bowels.

Types of rectal prolapse Rectal prolapse is graded according to its severity, including: Internal prolapse — the rectum has prolapsed, but not so far as to slip through the anus. This is also known as incomplete prolapse Mucosal prolapse — the interior lining of the rectum protrudes through the anus External prolapse — the entire thickness of the rectum protrudes through the anus. This is also known as complete or full-thickness prolapse.

Diagnosis of rectal prolapse Rectal prolapse is diagnosed by examination. In cases where the rectum goes back inside by itself after passing a bowel motion, the person may have to bear down during examination by the doctor to show the prolapse in order to confirm the diagnosis.

In cases of suspected internal prolapse, diagnostic tests may include ultrasound, special x-rays and measurement of the anorectal muscle activity anorectal manometry. If the person has experienced rectal bleeding, the doctor may want to do a number of tests to check for other conditions such as bowel cancer. About 11 per cent of children with rectal prolapse have cystic fibrosis, so it is important to test young people for this condition too.

Treatment for rectal prolapse Treatment depends on many individual factors, such as the age of the person, the severity of the prolapse, and whether or not other pelvic abnormalities are present such as prolapsed bladder. Treatment options can include: Diet and lifestyle changes to treat chronic constipation — for example, more fruit, vegetables and wholegrain foods, increased fluid intake and regular exercise.

Surgery for rectal prolapse Surgery is sometimes used to secure the rectum into place. One operation involves tethering the rectum to the central bone of the pelvis sacrum. Another operation is to remove the prolapsed part of the rectum and to rejoin the bowel to restore near-normal bowel function. Although surgery through the abdomen may give better long-term results, older people may be advised to undergo surgical correction via the anus, since it is easier to recover from this procedure.

Before surgery for rectal prolapse The day before surgery, you will be asked to fast, and may need to drink a special preparation to help flush out your bowels. Once you are in hospital, the anaesthetist will visit you to see what sort of anaesthetic is best for you.