The rectum is the penultimate part of the digestive tract, just before the anus. The rectum is responsible for storing feces (poop) and moving it toward the anus and expelled from the body. The rectum plays an important role in managing the defecation process and ensuring that incontinence, the ability to control bowel movements, is maintained.
Therefore, if there is a problem with the rectum, the rectum may lose its ability to function normally. In some cases, this can cause leakage of stool, known as fecal incontinence. Understanding how the organ works and learning tips on how to best care for it can help keep your rectum functioning properly.
The rectum is a muscular tube about 5 inches long. This is part of the large intestine and is located between the colon and anal canal. The rectum is located in the pelvic area above the pelvic floor, follows the curve of the sacrum (the triangular bone at the end of the spine), and is attached to the sacrum by connective tissue.
The rectal wall is made up of five layers. These five layers, starting from the inside, are the mucosa, deep mucosa, submucosa, muscularis propria, and serosa. The sides of the rectum also have three bends made of submucosal folds. These bends are called Houston valves. There are usually two folds on the left side and one on the right side. His three valves in Houston help control waste in the rectum.
The rectum ends at the anal canal, about 2 inches below the tip of the coccyx. This last part of the rectum is called the ampulla and lies above the pelvic diaphragm. The ampullae is where stool accumulates and is temporarily stored until it is ready for defecation.
Some babies may have birth defects that affect the shape of their rectum. These defects are known as anorectal malformations. It is usually caused by the anus not developing properly. However, in rare cases, this defect can cause the rectum to become obstructed or narrowed. Rectal malformations must be corrected surgically.
The main role of the rectum is to temporarily store stool. When a certain amount of stool accumulates in the rectum, the defecation reflex is triggered.
Here’s how the defecation reflex is triggered: When the rectum fills with stool, stretch receptors in the anal wall are activated. These receptors send signals along nerves to the brain, where the signals are processed and sent back to the inner wall of the anus. The return signal causes the internal sphincter to open, signaling it’s time to defecate. Feces travel from the rectum to the anus and are expelled from the body. When you go to the bathroom, this internal sphincter closes again, so you should feel okay without going for a while.
The rectum also helps control bowel movements.
Problems with the rectum are common. Although it may be uncomfortable to talk about symptoms related to rectal problems, doing so can help you get the care you need.
hemorrhoids
Excessive pressure on the perianal veins can cause hemorrhoids in the lower part of the rectum. Pressure can be caused by a variety of situations, such as straining to defecate or sitting on the toilet for too long.
There are two types of hemorrhoids: external hemorrhoids and internal hemorrhoids. These are internal hemorrhoids that affect the rectum and occur in the lining of the anus and lower rectum. (External hemorrhoids form outside the anus.) Internal hemorrhoids may cause bloody stools.
polyp
Polyps are tumors that form on the inner wall of the rectum. They can also grow in the lining of the colon. Polyps usually do not cause symptoms, but when they do, they may cause blood in the stool or a change in bowel habits. In most cases, polyps are not cancerous (benign). However, it is best to have the polyp removed, as it can eventually develop into cancer. Polyps can be removed during a colonoscopy, in which a flexible tube with a camera is inserted into the rectum.
fecal incontinence
Also called bowel incontinence, this condition results in the inability to control bowel movements. For example, you may not be able to make it to the toilet in time after feeling the urge to defecate.
This condition can affect people of all ages, but it most commonly occurs in older adults and women. There are many reasons why you may experience fecal incontinence. These include pelvic floor disease, nerve damage to the rectum or anus, and more. Constipation and diarrhea can also cause fecal incontinence.
inflammatory bowel disease
There are two types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Both conditions are characterized by inflammation along the gastrointestinal tract. Crohn’s disease can cause inflammation anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the anus, including the rectum. In ulcerative colitis, inflammation can affect the colon and rectum.
IBD can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, blood in the stool, and fatigue. If inflammation continues, it can destroy the digestive tract.
colorectal cancer
This type of cancer begins in tissue of the colon or rectum. If cancer starts in the rectum, it is called colorectal cancer, but it is also sometimes called rectal cancer. Genetic mutations can lead to rectal cancer, but lifestyle and environment can also influence the development of rectal cancer. Smoking, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s disease can also increase your risk of rectal cancer.
abscess
Abscesses are pus-filled pockets that can form anywhere in the body, including the space around the rectum. Most rectal abscesses are caused by infected blockages in the glandular crypts of the rectum. If you have an abscess in your rectum, you may experience pus draining from the rectum and pain during bowel movements. If left untreated, the infection can spread. Treatment of an abscess includes incision and drainage as well as antibiotics for infection.
Postage
Fecal impaction is when a dry, hard mass of stool remains in the rectum. It often occurs after chronic constipation or overuse of laxatives. Fecal impaction is more likely to occur if you are sedentary or have a disease that affects the nerves around your intestines. In some cases, large amounts of stool may have to be removed by hand.
rectal prolapse
If the rectum hangs out of its normal position and partially protrudes through the anus, it is considered a prolapsed rectum. Rectal prolapse can cause fecal incontinence. If you have rectal prolapse, you may notice a reddish lump protruding from the anal opening. This lump is not only more visible after a bowel movement, it can also bleed and can be particularly uncomfortable and painful.
If your health care provider suspects a problem with your rectum, he or she may order tests to see how it looks and functions. Here are some common tests you can use.
- Digital rectal examination: The health care provider uses a lubricated, gloved finger to feel the lower part of the rectum, looking for lumps, lumps, or anything else that seems abnormal.
- Anoscopy: Your health care provider uses a small tube called an anoscope to view your anus and rectum. This test helps your health care provider look for problems such as hemorrhoids, fissures, and abnormal growths.
- Colonoscopy: A health care professional uses a colonoscope (a long, flexible tube with a camera at the end) to look inside the colon and rectum for polyps, inflammation, or other signs of damage or disease. You can check. In some cases, a small tissue sample may be taken and evaluated in a laboratory.
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy: During this procedure, a tube-shaped camera is inserted into the rectum and lower colon. A lighted camera will show if there are any abnormal areas in your rectum. The procedure is similar to a colonoscopy, but the tube does not rise as high as in a colonoscopy.
- Rectal defecation test: During this study, your rectum will be filled with a paste containing a contrast similar to the consistency of stool. You will then be asked to sit on the toilet inside the x-ray machine. Your abdomen will be squeezed and strained to expel the contents, and an X-ray will be taken. The images are then evaluated to look for various points, including rectal prolapse.
- Manometry: This test measures pressure within the rectum and is used to determine the strength and weakness of the anal muscles. It also assesses rectal reflex ability. Your health care provider may use this test to find out why you are having incontinence, constipation, or pain problems.
- Balloon capacity and compliance: This test evaluates the function of the rectum and its ability to expand and contract. Using a thin plastic catheter, your healthcare provider inserts an empty, soft latex balloon through your anus and into your rectum and slowly fills it with warm water.
Keeping your rectum healthy means keeping your bowel movements regular. You should do your best to avoid constipation and diarrhea.
One way to stay on track is to consume the recommended amount of fiber each day. Depending on your age and gender, you need between 20 and 35 grams of fiber per day. Examples of high-fiber foods include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and beans.
You should drink lots of water, especially if you’re eating a lot of fiber or taking fiber supplements. By taking dietary fiber and water together, you can maintain a regular lifestyle.
Staying active also helps promote normal bowel movements.
All of these lifestyle habits are also ways to prevent rectal cancer. Another way to prevent rectal cancer is to have regular colorectal cancer screenings.
It is recommended that all people at average risk begin screening for colorectal cancer at age 45. This screening can be done by colonoscopy. If you are at high risk for cancer, you may need a colonoscopy sooner. You may be at higher risk if you have a personal or family history of colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer, or if you have IBD.
You can also prevent colorectal cancer by limiting your alcohol intake and quitting smoking if you smoke.
The rectum is the penultimate part of the digestive tract, located just behind the colon and just before the anus. The rectum is responsible for storing stool until you feel the urge to defecate, and then transporting the stool to the anal canal. There are many diseases that can affect the rectum, including colorectal cancer, hemorrhoids, abscesses, and fecal incontinence.
If your health care provider suspects a problem with your rectum, there are several tests they can perform for evaluation. By diagnosing and treating the problem, you can keep your rectum functioning as well as possible. Even if you don’t have a disease that affects your rectum, there are still things you can do to keep it healthy. This includes getting colonoscopies at the recommended times, eating a diet high in fiber, and staying active.