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A.D.A.M. Medical Encyclopedia [Internet]. Atlanta (GA): A.D.A.M.; 2013.
A.D.A.M. Medical Encyclopedia.
Rectal prolapse occurs when the rectum falls down and comes through the anal opening.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Rectal prolapse occurs most often in children under age 6 and in the elderly.
In children, it can be found with cystic fibrosis and whipworm (trichuriasis).
In adults, it is usually found with constipation. It is also more common in people with autism, psychiatric disorders, and intellectual disability.
Symptoms
The main symptom is a reddish-colored mass that sticks out from the opening of the anus, especially following a bowel movement. This reddish mass is actually the inner lining of the rectum. It may bleed slightly and can be uncomfortable and painful.
Signs and tests
The health care provider will perform a physical exam, which may include a rectal exam. Tests can 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 rectum must be pushed back inside 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 lying down on his or her side in a knee-chest position before applying pressure to allow gravity to help return the prolapse.
Immediate surgery for repair is seldom needed. In children, treating the underlying condition usually solves the problem. In adults, the only cure for rectal prolapse is an operation.
Expectations (prognosis)
In children, treating the underlying condition usually cures the problem. In adults, surgery is usually successful at curing the prolapse.
Constipation and loss of bowel control may also develop.
Calling your health care provider
Call your health care provider promptly if there is a rectal prolapse.
Prevention
In children, treating the underlying condition usually prevents further rectal prolapse. Treating vascular constipation is an important preventive measure.
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, Bleir JIS. Colon and rectum. In: Townsend CM Jr., Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 19th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 52.
- Verma M, Rafferty J, Buie WD. Practice parameters for the management of rectal prolapse. Dis Colon Rectum. 2011;54:1339-1346. [PubMed: 21979176]
Review Date: 8/17/2012.
Reviewed by: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director and Director of Didactic Curriculum, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington; and Joshua Kunin, MD, Consulting Colorectal Surgeon, Zichron Yaakov, Israel. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc.
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Surgical management of pelvic organ prolapse in women
Pelvic organs, such as the uterus, bladder or bowel, may protrude into the vagina due to weakness in the tissues that normally support them. The commonest symptom experienced by women with prolapse is the sensation or feeling, or seeing, a vaginal bulge. Commonly these women have abnormalities in bladder, bowel and sexual function that may or may not be related to the prolapse. The surgical repair performed depends on the type of prolapse seen on examination and on the associated symptoms. Women should be aware that the principle aim of surgery is to relieve the vaginal bulge. Women who have stress urinary incontinence in addition to their prolapse commonly have that corrected at the same surgery. Pelvic organ prolapse surgery is usually effective in controlling the principle symptoms of prolapse (awareness of vaginal bulge). The impact of pelvic organ prolapse surgery on specific bowel, bladder and sexual functions can be predicted however individual women should be aware that occasionally the intervention may make symptoms worse or result in new symptoms, such as leakage of urine or problems with sexual intercourse.
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