Rectal prolapse: how to identify it?

Rectal prolapse is a protrusion of the rectum through the anus, either of the three tunics of the rectum (true prolapse) or of the mucosa only (false prolapse).

Causes of rectal prolapse

There are several factors that cause prolapse:

1. The depth of the peritoneal cul-de-sac (rectovaginal or rectovesical).
2. Idiopathic invagination of the upper rectum.
3. Failure of normal fixation of the rectum in its cell.
4. Sphincter atony and puborectalis muscle deficiency.

In women, in 90% of the cases, childbirth is favorable.

Symptoms of rectal prolapse

There are several symptoms that can indicate the existence of a rectal prolapse:

1. Procidence usually bulky, about the size of a tangerine or an orange.
2. Incontinence of variable importance.
3. Mucous discharge.

Rectal prolapse: prevention

There is no specific prevention for prolapse. However, correcting and treating constipation may be effective.

Treatment of rectal prolapse

Surgical treatment is the only effective therapy for prolapse, but it is difficult and controversial. The Coloproctology specialist should have done a thorough examination before deciding how to approach surgery. Surgery can be performed ab abdominally, by laparoscopy, or perineally, using the Delorme technique.