Rectal prolapse

Rectal prolapse

Rectal prolapse may be partial, involving only the mucosa or complete, involving the entire wall of the rectum.

Definition

Rectal prolapse occurs when the tissue that lines the rectum falls down into or sticks through the anal opening.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Rectal prolapse occurs most often in children under age 6 and in the elderly. It is often associated with the following conditions:

Symptoms

The main symptom is a reddish-colored mass that sticks out from the opening of the anus, especially following a bowel movement. The lining of the rectal tissue may be visible and may bleed slightly.

Signs and tests

The health care provider will perform a physical exam, which may include a rectal exam. Tests will be done to determine the underlying cause.

Treatment

Call your health care provider if a rectal prolapse occurs. In some cases, the prolapse can be treated at home.

The rectal mucosa must be returned to the rectum manually. A soft, warm, wet cloth is used to apply gentle pressure to the mass to push it back through the anal opening. The affected person should be in a knee-chest position before applying pressure to allow gravity to help return the prolapse.

Immediate surgery for repair is seldom needed. The underlying condition must be treated.

Expectations (prognosis)

Treating the underlying condition usually cures the problem. In otherwise healthy elderly patients who have repeated rectal prolapse, surgery can repair physical problems that make prolapse more likely to occur.

Complications

  • Constipation
  • Other complications of the condition that caused the prolapse

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider promptly if there is a rectal prolapse.

Prevention

Treating the underlying condition usually prevents further rectal prolapse.

References

Lembo AJ, Ullman SP. Constipation. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisinger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saudners Elsevier;2010:chap 18.

Fry RD, Mahmoud N, Maron DJ, Ross HM, Rombeau J. Colon and rectum. In: Townsend CM Jr., Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 50.

See also:

  • Disease

    Malabsorption

    Digestive system

    Malabsorption is difficulty absorbing nutrients from food.

  • Disease

    Cystic fibrosis

    Clubbing

    Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease that causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive tract. It is one of the most common chronic lung diseases in children and young adults, and may result in early death. See also:

  • Special Topic

    Mucosa

    Nasal mucosa

    Mucosa is moist tissue that lines certain parts of the inside of your body, including your nose, mouth, lungs, and the urinary and digestive tracts. Glands in the mucosa release a thick fluid called mucus.

  • Disease

    Celiac disease - sprue

    Digestive system

    Celiac disease is a condition that damages the lining of the small intestine and prevents it from absorbing parts of food that are important for staying healthy. The damage is due to a reaction to eating gluten, which is found in wheat, barley, rye, and possibly oats.

  • Disease

    Whipworm infection

    Trichuris trichiura egg

    Whipworm infection is an infection of the large intestine with a type of roundworm.

  • Symptoms

    Constipation

    Sources of fiber

    Constipation is most often defined as having a bowel movement less than 3 times per week. It usually is associated with hard stools or difficulty passing stools. You may have pain while passing stools or may be unable to have a bowel movement after straining or pushing for more than 10 minutes. ...

Review date:
July 5, 2010
Reviewed by:
Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; and George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San Diego, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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