Rectal prolapse is a medical condition in which the rectum protrudes through the anus. This is different from hemorrhoids, where the veins around the rectum and anus swell.
The rectum is the last part of the large intestine, and the anus is the opening through which stool leaves the body.
The effects of rectal prolapse are: 2.5 per 100,000 people. Women over the age of 50 are six times more likely to suffer from this condition than men. Although it may be suspected to be a rectal prolapse, it is actually a severe case of hemorrhoids.
Rectal prolapse can range from mild to severe. Mild cases can often be treated without surgery. In severe cases, surgery may be required.
Rectal prolapse is more common in children than adults. It can occur when the anorectal muscles and other pelvic muscles are not fully developed.
It can also occur if a child has frequent bowel movements due to a diarrheal infection or an inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis. Conservative management is usually very effective.
Rectal prolapse and hemorrhoids are both uncomfortable and painful conditions. Rectal prolapse may feel like a bad case of hemorrhoids at first, but in some cases, anal hemorrhoids can look like the rectum coming out.
- Rectal prolapse. In rectal prolapse, the rectum moves. Rectal prolapse can sometimes cause bleeding.
- Hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are actually swollen blood vessels in the wall of your rectum or anus. Hemorrhoids are very common in their small, mild forms. It may be painful and itchy, and red blood may remain on the tissue when you wipe it.
Read more: Why does my hair bleed when I wipe it?
If you suspect hemorrhoids or rectal prolapse, see your doctor. They can diagnose your condition and begin appropriate treatment.
There are three types of rectal prolapse. Types are identified by rectal movements.
- Escape inside. The rectum begins to descend, but has not yet penetrated the anus.
- Partial escape. Only part of the rectum passed through the anus.
- Complete escape. The entire rectum extends through the anus.
Symptoms of rectal prolapse tend to develop slowly. The first symptom you notice is the sensation of a bulge in your anus. It may look as if you are sitting on a ball.
If you look in the mirror, you may see a reddish-colored bump peeking out of, or actually growing out of, your anus.
Other symptoms include:
- Part of the rectum may protrude during defecation, but can easily be pushed back into place.
- Physical activity, such as walking, sitting, or exercising, can also cause part of the rectum to push through the anus.
- Bleeding may occur from the lining of the rectum.
- Eventually, it may become difficult to control liquid or solid bowel movements or gas from the rectum.
- Chronic constipation occurs when 30 to 67 percent Approximately 15% of patients with rectal prolapse experience diarrhea.
Rectal prolapse can be caused by several medical conditions, including:
nerve damage
Rectal prolapse can occur when the nerves that control the muscles of the rectum and anus are damaged. These nerves can be damaged by:
- pregnancy or difficult vaginal delivery
- spinal injury
- Surgery in the pelvic area
anal sphincter becomes weak
This is a muscle that prevents the involuntary expulsion of stool from the rectum. Common reasons why this muscle becomes weak include:
- pregnancy
- childbirth
- age has increased
chronic constipation
The strain of chronic bowel obstruction increases the likelihood that the rectum will drop out of its position. Frequent straining during bowel movements over many years can lead to rectal prolapse.
Although not directly related to rectal prolapse, several conditions can increase the risk of rectal prolapse. include:
woman Over 50 years old There is also an increased risk of rectal prolapse.
Even if you are diagnosed with rectal prolapse, treatment may be delayed if your symptoms are mild enough to not significantly affect your quality of life.
If the prolapse is mild, softening the stool may reduce straining during defecation, and the prolapse may recover without surgery before it worsens.
However, surgery is
There are two main approaches to repairing rectal prolapse: abdominal and rectal.
Abdominal repair approach
some kinds of surgery This involves making an incision in the abdominal wall and pulling the rectum back into place. This surgery, also known as abdominal rectopexy, can also be performed laparoscopically, using a special camera and instruments to make small incisions.
Rectal (perineal) repair approach
There are two different types of perineal rectosigmoid resections, which are surgical procedures that repair rectal prolapse through the perineum, the area between the anus and genitals.these
- Altemeyer procedure. In this type of surgery, the protruding part of the rectum is removed and the ends are reattached.
- Delorme procedure. This procedure is best for people with a short escape. This involves removing the outer lining of the rectum and folding and suturing the muscle layers.
These surgeries are often recommended for people with severe constipation who are not considered candidates for laparoscopic surgery through the stomach.
After rectal prolapse surgery, you may need to be hospitalized to restore and restore bowel function. The amount of time you spend in the hospital depends on the type of surgery you have.
Generally, most people make a full recovery and can return to their normal daily activities within six weeks after surgery.
During your stay in the hospital, you will slowly transition from eating clear liquids to eating solid foods. Your doctor may also advise you on the following strategies:
- stay hydrated
- eat enough fiber
- Use stool softeners to prevent constipation
Surgery from the abdomen is performed to lift the rectum and return it to its proper position. This can be done with a large incision and open surgery, or laparoscopically with several incisions and specially designed small surgical instruments.
In perianal surgery, part of the rectum is pulled out and surgically removed. The rectum is then placed back inside and connected to the large intestine. This approach is usually used in people who are not candidates for abdominal surgery.
Discuss treatment options with your doctor. If you are recommended a certain type of surgery, you should feel free to ask why they are recommending that type of surgery.
your doctor
A complete physical exam will also be performed. The doctor looks at the rectum and puts a gloved finger into the anus to check the health and strength of the anal sphincter and the rectum itself. During the test, your doctor may ask you to squat and strain as if you were defecating.
Other tests may be done to help diagnose rectal prolapse. Before these tests, you may be asked to fast or cleanse your colon with an enema. Other tests include:
- Anal electromyography (EMG). This test measures how well the muscles and nerves in your rectum are working. Electrodes are inserted several inches into your rectum. The test will then run and will only take a few minutes.
- Anorectal pressure measurement. A thermometer-sized flexible tube with a small deflated balloon attached to the end is inserted into the rectum. While connected to the machine, tubes are placed in several areas of the rectum and the response to pressure is measured.
- Barium enema. During this test, a chalk-like liquid containing barium is placed into your rectum. The barium shows up in the X-rays that produce images of the area.
- Colonoscopy. During a colonoscopy, a thin, flexible tube with a small camera at the end is inserted into the rectum so that a health care professional can perform a visual examination.
- Defecography. This test uses X-rays or MRI to monitor your colon during bowel movements.
- Lower GI series. During this test, a chalk-like liquid containing barium is placed into his colon, making the area visible to his x-rays and images taken.
- Studying transit. In this study, people swallow one or more capsules containing markers that can be seen by X-rays. After swallowing the capsule, she will undergo X-rays every five days so that doctors can see exactly how the marker passes through her intestines.
- Other exams. Your doctor may want to do a urological or gynecological exam to check for weaknesses in your pelvic floor or for other organs, such as your uterus, to prolapse.
It is not always possible to prevent rectal prolapse. Maintaining a healthy gut can reduce your risk. To avoid constipation:
- Include high-fiber foods as part of your regular diet, such as:
- fruit
- vegetables
- Bran
- beans
- Reduce the amount of processed foods in your diet.
- Drink plenty of water and fluids every day.
- Exercise most, if not all, days.
- Use meditation and other relaxation techniques to manage stress.
Possible rectal prolapse
- Ulcer. Ulcers in the rectum can cause bleeding and pain.
- Sphincter damage. The sphincter is a ring-shaped muscle that opens and closes the anus, and damage to it can affect its function.
- Bowel control problems. Rectal prolapse can cause bowel control problems such as fecal incontinence.
- gangrene. If left untreated, rectal prolapse can cause strangulation of the rectum, cutting off the blood supply to the tissues and causing them to die and lead to gangrene. This is a medical emergency that requires surgery.
The outlook for people undergoing surgery for rectal prolapse is generally positive. You will need to eat fluids and soft foods for a while, and you may need to take stool softeners initially. This is to prevent constipation and straining during defecation.
The time you spend in the hospital after surgery depends on your health and the type of surgery. Full recovery is expected to take approximately six weeks.
Rectal prolapse is rare and can be uncomfortable and painful, but it is treatable. The sooner you seek medical attention for your symptoms, the easier your surgery and recovery will be.