Rectal prolapse occurs when part of the rectum slips out of the anus. The rectum is the last part of the large intestine and is where the body stores feces before urinating.
rectal prolapse happens when
Rectal prolapse is a relatively rare condition, and the American Association of Colorectal Surgeons estimates that only a small number of people are affected by rectal prolapse. 3 in 100,000 people.
Although this condition can affect anyone, more common For older women.Other risk factors include Chronic constipation, straining, childbirth. Rectal prolapse can make it difficult to control your bowel movements and cause incontinence. Initial treatment may include hydration, increasing fiber intake, and pelvic floor muscle exercises, but most people eventually require surgery.
There is 3 types For rectal prolapse:
- External: Also known as full-thickness prolapse or complete prolapse, the entire thickness of the rectal wall protrudes through the anus.
- Mucous membrane: Only the lining of the anus, known as the mucous membrane, protrudes from the anus.
- internal: Also known as incomplete prolapse, the rectum folds in but does not protrude through the anus.
At first, the person just news A lump or swelling that comes out of the anus during defecation. Initially, the person May If a rectal prolapse cannot be pushed back, it may return to the anus on its own. However, over time, the prolapse may remain permanently prominent, and the person will not be able to push it back.
Over time, rectal prolapse may occur when you cough, sneeze, stand up, or exercise. Some people with rectal prolapse may explain Feels like you are sitting on a ball.
Some people experience internal rectal prolapse, but internal rectal prolapse is different in that it does not prolapse. However, that person may experience Incomplete defecation or a feeling of pressure in the rectum.
Other symptoms of rectal prolapse can include:
- Difficulty controlling bowel movements, approximately 50-75% of cases
- Constipation, it affects about 25-50% Number of people with rectal prolapse
- bright red blood coming from the rectum
- Rectal pressure and discomfort
- mucus secretion
complications may include:
- Strangulation prolapse: this Occur When part of the rectum becomes trapped, cutting off the blood supply and causing tissue death. Individuals may develop gangrene and this area of the rectum may become necrotic and rot. This is often painful and requires surgery.
- Isolated rectal ulcer syndrome: Mucosal prolapse, present in ulcers can develop The part where the rectum comes out. This complication often requires surgery.
- Recurrent prolapse: People who have undergone surgery for rectal prolapse may experience rectal prolapse again in the future.Evidence suggests that this occurs in up to 30% of the case. Therefore, your doctor may advise you to make lifestyle adjustments after surgery, such as adopting a high-fiber diet and staying hydrated.
Although rectal prolapse has multiple associated risk factors and causes, doctors believe that: please do not I completely understand why some people think that way.
It often includes issues such as: weaken The muscles that support the rectum and can be triggered by various include:
- pregnancy
- constipation and chronic tension
- Diarrhea, it affects Approximately 15% person’s
- Conditions affecting the pelvis or lower gastrointestinal tract
Several neurological condition It also affects the nerves associated with rectal prolapse.
Rectal prolapse is more common in adults than children, especially women over 50. 6 times They are just as likely to be affected as men. Most women who suffer from rectal prolapse are in their 60s, while most men are under 40.
In older women, rectal prolapse often occurs at the same time as the prolapse of the bladder or gynecological organs.this compound escape It can occur due to general weakness of the pelvic floor muscles.
People sometimes confuse rectal prolapse with hemorrhoids (also called piles). both conditions It affects the last part of the intestines and causes similar symptoms.
However, rectal prolapse affects the rectal wall, while hemorrhoids affect the blood vessels in the anal canal. These two conditions require different treatments, so it’s important to get the correct diagnosis.
To diagnose rectal prolapse, a doctor takes a person’s medical history, asks about symptoms, and performs a physical exam.
Physical examination may be involved Doctors insert a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum or observe the anus of a person who is squatting over a toilet or toilet bowl. Although some people may find this uncomfortable or embarrassing, it is not painful and is extremely important for accurate diagnosis.
Further tests may be required to clarify the diagnosis or rule out other processes.these tests can include:
- Defecography: Also known as a rectogram, this is a type of x-ray that shows the rectum and anal canal during a bowel movement.
- Colonoscopy: During this procedure, your doctor inserts a long, flexible tube called a colonoscope to get a closer look at your large intestine and rectum.
- Anorectal pressure measurement: This involves inserting a pressure-measuring tube into your rectum to check how well the muscles that control bowel movements are working.
- Endoanal ultrasound: Your doctor uses a thin ultrasound probe to look at the muscles your body uses to control your intestines.
Although rectal prolapse is not often an urgent medical problem, it can be uncomfortable and embarrassing, and can have serious negative effects on your mental and physical health.
Therefore, if you notice signs and symptoms of rectal prolapse, it is important to consult your doctor as soon as possible.
The more you postpone treatment for rectal prolapse, the more more likely It causes permanent problems such as incontinence and nerve damage.
First of all, the important thing is relieve symptoms And it makes defecation easier.doctor I might recommend it A high fiber diet, stool softeners, bowel training, and drinking lots of water.
If that doesn’t work, your doctor may suggest the following:
- Types of escape
- the person’s age
- Other medical problems
- whether the person has constipation
There is Two common types About rectal prolapse surgery:
abdomen
This method involves making an incision in the abdomen or lower abdomen. The surgeon then pulls the rectum upward and attaches it to other structures in the body to hold it in place.
perineum
This approach does not require an abdominal incision. Instead, the surgeon removes the protruding rectum and attaches the remaining rectum to the anus.
Certain steps can be taken to lower the risk of rectal prolapse.these include:
- eat lots of fiber
- drink lots of water
- exercise regularly
- Avoid excessive straining during defecation
After treatment for rectal prolapse, most people make a full recovery. However, proper recovery is important and the amount of time this takes depends on the type of treatment.
People who have surgery usually stay in the hospital for a few days after surgery, and most recover completely within a few months. After undergoing surgery for rectal prolapse, you should avoid straining and heavy lifting for at least six months, eat a nutritious diet high in fiber, and try to drink plenty of water.