
Procedures
- Digital rectal exam. Your doctor inserts a gloved and lubricated finger into your rectum to evaluate the strength of your sphincter muscles and to check for any abnormalities in the ...
- Anal manometry. A narrow, flexible tube is inserted into the anus and rectum. ...
- Colonoscopy. ...
- Defecography. ...
Therapy
- If your doctor says it's okay, you can push the prolapse into place.
- Avoid constipation. Drink plenty of water, and eat fruits, vegetables, and other foods that contain fibre. ...
- Do Kegel exercises to help strengthen the muscles of the pelvic area.
- Don't strain while having a bowel movement. Use a stool softener if you need to.
Self-care
You may need any of the following:
- Stool softeners help prevent constipation.
- Laxatives help your intestines relax and loosen to prevent constipation.
- Injections may prevent your rectum from moving through your anus. You may be given one or more shots of numbing medicine. ...
- Surgery may be needed if other treatments do not work. ...
Nutrition
Some of the general guidelines to follow at home after a rectal prolapse surgery are:
- Take as much rest as possible.
- Try to avoid lifting heavy objects.
- Do not strain while passing stools.
- Eat high fiber food and drink lots of water.
- If you have fever, heavy bleeding, difficulty in urinating, signs of infection around the wound site, contact the doctor.
- You can resume work about six weeks after surgery.
See more
What alternative therapies can help with rectal prolapse?
How can rectal prolapse be cured naturally?
How to ease the pain of rectal prolapse?
What should I do after a rectal prolapse?

How can I make my rectal prolapse go away?
Rectal prolapse can sometimes be treated with stool softeners, suppositories and other medications. But surgery is usually needed to treat rectal prolapse.
Can rectal prolapse be treated without surgery?
Rectal prolapse can range from mild to severe. Mild cases can often be treated without surgery. Severe cases may require surgery.
Can rectal prolapse be cured with medicine?
If your rectal prolapse is very minor and it is caught early, your doctor might have you treat it by taking stool softeners to make it easier to go to the bathroom and by pushing the rectum's tissue back up the anus by hand. But, typically, you will eventually need to have surgery to fix rectal prolapse.
Can you fix rectal prolapse on your own?
Rectal prolapse occurs when your rectum, part of your large intestine, slips down inside your anus. It's caused by a weakening of the muscles that hold it in place. Rectal prolapse may look or feel like hemorrhoids, but unlike hemorrhoids, it doesn't go away on its own. You'll eventually need surgery to fix it.
What happens if you leave rectal prolapse untreated?
If left untreated, possible complications of rectal prolapse include: Ulceration and bleeding. A reduction in blood supply causing strangulation of the rectum. Gangrene, resulting in death and decay of the strangulated section of the rectum.
How do you push a rectal prolapse back into place?
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 person should lie on one side in a knee-chest position before applying pressure. This position allows gravity to help put the rectum back into position.
Is there a pessary for rectal prolapse?
Rectocele Treatment Mild cases can often be improved with pelvic floor exercises and bowel training. Moderate to severe cases are often treated with a vaginal pessary (a support device inserted into the vagina) or rectocele repair (a minimally invasive surgical procedure).
What type of doctor do you see for rectal issues?
Proctologists are doctors who specialize in colon and rectal issues. They focus on conditions that affect the lower digestive tract. They're often called colorectal surgeons.
How do doctors fix rectal prolapse?
Rectal prolapse repair through the abdomen. Using sutures or a mesh sling, he or she anchors the rectum to the back wall of the pelvis (sacrum). In some cases, such as a long history of constipation, the surgeon removes a portion of the colon.
How to treat prolapsed anus?
However, surgery is usually necessary to repair the prolapse. There are several surgical approaches.
What are the conditions that can be present with rectal prolapse?
Other conditions, such as urinary incontinence, bladder prolapse and vaginal/uterine prolapse , could be present along with rectal prolapse. Because of the variety of potential problems, urologists, urogynecologists and other specialists often team together to share evaluations and make joint treatment decisions.
What is the term for a fall from the pelvic area?
Rectal Prolapse. Rectal prolapse occurs when the rectum (the lower end of the large intestine) falls from its normal position within the pelvic area. In some cases of very minor, early prolapse, treatment can begin at home with the use of stool softeners. However, surgery will be necessary to repair the prolapse.
What are the risks of rectal prolapse surgery?
Other risks and complications from surgeries to repair rectal prolapse include: Lack of healing where the two ends of bowel reconnect. This can happen in a surgery in which a segment of the bowel is removed and the two ends of the remaining bowel are reconnected. Intra-abdominal or rectal bleeding.
What does it feel like to have a rectal prolapse?
The symptoms of rectal prolapse include the feeling of a bulge or the appearance of reddish-colored mass that extends outside the anus. At first, this can occur during or after bowel movements and is a temporary condition.
How long does it take to recover from a prolapse?
Complete recovery can usually be expected in a month; however, patients should avoid straining and heavy lifting for at least 6 months. In fact, the best chance for preventing prolapse from returning is to make a lifetime effort to avoid straining and any activities that increase abdominal pressure.
What is the most common type of abdominal repair?
The two most common types of abdominal repair are rectopexy (fixation [reattachment] of the rectum) and resection (removal of a segment of intestine) followed by rectopexy. Resection is preferred for patients who have severe constipation.
What is a prolapsed rectum?
Rectal prolapse is when part of your rectum or the lining of your rectum, protrudes through your anus. Find out common causes, symptoms, and details of test and diagnosis. prolapse rectal prolapse rectal surgery ST bowel.
What are the factors that determine the choice of surgery for a prolapse?
The choice of surgery depends on many factors including age, other health issues, presence of incontinence, surgeon preference and the size of the prolapse. Your surgeon will advise you on the best type of operation for you.
How many incisions are needed for rectopexy?
The rectopexy can be done laparoscopically with 4 or 5 very small incisions instead of one large incision across your lower abdomen. The choice of surgery depends on many factors including age, other health issues, presence of incontinence, surgeon preference and the size of the prolapse.
How to get a child to bowels?
Your GP will give you advice on how to get your child into a regular bowel routine. Ensure your child has plenty of fruit and vegetables in their diet, as well as foods that contain fibre. Also ensure your child drinks enough water.
What to eat to prevent constipation?
In the early stages of your condition, your doctor may advise you to eat plenty of fruit and vegetables and other foods that contain fibre to try to prevent constipation and reduce straining.
Can rectum prolapse come back after surgery?
Occasionally, it may be planned to remove part of the colon as well. It’s important to remember that the rectal prolapse may come back after you have surgery by either method.
How to treat a prolapsed rectum?
Rectal Prolapse Treatment. The most common treatment for rectal prolapse is surgery to put the rectum back in place, and there are several types. The kind of surgery your doctor recommends will depend on factors such as your overall health, age, and how serious your condition is. The two most common types of surgery:
What is the best test for prolapse?
Colonoscopy: A long tube inserted into your rectum with a tiny camera at the end can show the inside of your intestines and look for any problems that may be causing your prolapse. Proctosigmoidoscopy: This test also uses a long tube with a camera on the end.
What is it called when your rectum drops down?
Prolapse is when any body part slips or falls down from its normal position. Rectal prolapse is when your rectum -- the last section of your large intestine -- drops down or slides out of your anus. While that may sound scary, it’s typically not considered a medical emergency. However, the longer you have the condition, the worse it can get.
What type of surgery is done with a large incision?
The two most common types of surgery: Abdominal: This type of surgery can be done either with a large incision or using laparoscopy, which uses small cuts and a camera attached to an instrument so the surgeon can see what needs to be done and if there are any additional issues that need to be fixed.
Can a doctor diagnose rectal prolapse?
Your doctor can diagnose whether you have rectal prolapse or hemorrhoids. More women develop rectal prolapse than men, especially women older than 50. In general, older people who have had a history of constipation or problems with their pelvic floor have a higher chance of having the problem.
Can rectal prolapse cause embarrassment?
Living with rectal prolapse can cause embarrassment and affect your quality of life. If you feel like something just isn’t right when you go to the bathroom, or try to poop, you shouldn’t ignore it or make light of it. Your doctor can diagnose rectal prolapse and suggest treatment to fix it.
Can a doctor do a rectal exam?
Congenital bowel disorders like Hirschsprung’s disease or neuronal intestinal dysplasia. Rectal Prolapse Diagnosis. Your doctor can do a recta l exam. While you may hesitate to do this, your doctor may ask you to sit on a toilet and poop or at least try to go.
How to treat a prolapsed bowel?
A prolapse involving just the lining (mucosa) of the bowel is treated by removing the excess mucosa. This is basically identical to surgery for a pile (haemorrhoidectomy). Staples are sometimes used instead of conventional cutting with a scalpel. Abdominal surgery involving opening the tummy.
How to keep a prolapse in place?
Most elderly people can cope by pushing the prolapse back themselves. However, sometimes a rubber ring is inserted under the skin to keep the prolapse in place. This is not very successful as it is often too tight (causing constipation) or too loose (causing the prolapse to poke out again).
What is the condition that causes poo to get stuck in the bowel?
In children, rectal prolapse can occur in: Cystic fibrosis. Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Hirschsprung's disease (a rare condition that can cause poo to become stuck in the bowel).
How to tell if you have a pile or a prolapse?
It's usually easy to tell if you have piles (haemorrhoids) rather than a rectal prolapse because a prolapse has concentric rings around the outside, whereas piles don't. You may need a barium enema (an X-ray exam of the lower bowel) to check that you haven't got any other bowel conditions.
What is a rectal polyp?
A rectal polyp is a thickening of the lining (mucosa) of the bowel that comes to resemble a finger-like structure growing out of the side wall of the gut. If it pokes outside the anus it can resemble a rectal prolapse.
How many children have rectal prolapse?
The outlook (prognosis) will depend on your age, on whether you have any untreatable causes for the prolapse and on the state of your general health. About 1 in 10 children who have a rectal prolapse will continue to have it when they grow up, especially if they are aged over 4 years when they first develop it.
What is it called when a section of the bowel folds into the next section?
An intussusception occurs when a section of bowel folds into the next section, a bit like the way a telescope folds up. Sometimes the folded bowel pokes outside the back passage (anus) and looks like a rectal prolapse.
What is a prolapsed rectum?
Prolapse Rectum is a disease in which Rectum comes out partially or totally during defecation, at times it goes back automatically whereas sometimes the patient is required to do it manually .This disease can occur in males, females & children.
What is internal prolapse?
Internal rectal prolapse is when your rectum bends in on itself but doesn’t thrust out through your anus. This is also recognized as an internal intussusception. The different types of Rectal Prolapse can all be taken care of with employing non-surgical treatment of prolapse rectum.
What is the name of the complication that can't be pressed back into the rectum?
1. A rectal prolapse that can’t be pressed back into the rectum. This can cause the blood supply to the prolapse to be amputated. This complication is named strangulation. It is excruciating and needs emergency treatment.
Why does my baby prolapse?
It is quite uncommon to see a small kid with a prolapse unless it is triggered by a congenital malformation of the pelvic floor —the smooth tissues and muscles that support the rectum. As you mature in age, these muscles lose tone and may lead to a small prolapse.
Why is herbal medicine good for pelvic organs?
Our herbal treatment is suitable even post-surgery, this is because the herbs work in a natural way and maintain the normal physiology of pelvic organ. It helps in not only maintaining a good health of pelvic region but also prevents its reoccurrence.
How to diagnose bowel disease?
Another method to diagnose the disease is anorectic manometry that helps to evaluate the functioning of the rectum muscles as they play major role in the bowel movement. Post the examination you will be offered medication or asked to undergo surgery.
Is prolapse rectum non surgical?
This treatment has been more popular as the side-effects of medicines are negligible and often patients are cured without undergoing pain and trauma of operations. Non-surgical treatment of rectal prolapse is best treatment of prolapse rectum that inhibits no signs of post treatment issues.
What is the procedure to repair a prolapsed rectum?
Rectal prolapse surgery is a procedure to repair rectal prolapse, which occurs when the last part of the large intestine (the rectum) stretches and protrudes from the anus. Surgery puts the rectum back in place. There are a number of ways to do rectal prolapse surgery.
Where is rectum prolapse surgery done?
Rectal prolapse surgery can be done through the abdomen (rectopexy) — either with a large incision (open surgery) or laparoscopic methods — or through the region around the anus (perineum).
How does a surgeon remove a colon?
In some cases, such as a long history of constipation, the surgeon removes a portion of the colon. Laparoscopic rectal prolapse surgery. Also done through the abdomen, this procedure uses several smaller incisions. The surgeon inserts special surgical tools and a tiny camera through the abdominal incisions to repair the rectal prolapse.
What are the risks of rectal prolapse surgery?
But in general, rectal prolapse surgery risks include: Bleeding. Bowel obstruction. Damage to nearby structures, such as nerves and organs. Infection. Fistula — an abnormal connection between two body parts, such as the rectum and vagina. Recurrence of rectal prolapse. Sexual dysfunction.
How long do you stay in the hospital after rectal prolapse surgery?
Depending on your procedure, you may be asked to stop taking certain medications. You'll spend one or more days in the hospital after rectal prolapse surgery. So that you'll be as comfortable as possible during your stay, consider bringing: Personal care items, such as your toothbrush, hairbrush or shaving supplies.
How to recover from bowel surgery?
You'll spend a brief time in the hospital recovering and regaining your bowel function. You'll begin by drinking clear liquids and transition to solid foods. The amount of time you spend in the hospital, possibly just overnight, will depend on which procedure you have.
How to prevent infection after surgery?
Clean with special soap. Before your surgery, you'll be asked to shower using antiseptic soap to help prevent germs on your skin from causing infection after your surgery. Stop taking certain medications. Depending on your procedure, you may be asked to stop taking certain medications.
How to treat rectal prolapse?
The main treatment for complete rectal prolapse and recurrent rectal prolapse is surgery. Initially, if it is not severe, the doctor may try fixing it temporarily by a technique known as “manual reduction of the prolapse.”. When only the inner lining (mucosa) of your rectum comes out of the anus, your doctor will instruct you how you can perform ...
What is a prolapsed rectum?
Rectal prolapse is a condition in which the last part of your large bowel (rectum) comes out of your anus. This can happen in any of the following three ways:
What causes rectum prolapse?
Rectal prolapse can be caused by any of the following reasons: Weakening of the pelvic muscles (pelvic muscles support your rectum) Chronic constipation. Injury to the rectum. Nerve damage. Cystic fibrosis (a hereditary disease that damages the lungs, gut, and pancreas) Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD)
How to strengthen pelvic floor muscles?
Here’s how you can do them: Try tightening your pelvic floor muscles slowly for three seconds. You will feel like you are lifting them. Then release for three seconds. Do this 10 times at a stretch. That’s one set.
How to prevent constipation?
Your doctor will usually advise you to. Avoid constipation by following a healthy diet and regular exercise. Take a stool softener to keep your bowel movements soft. Do pelvic floor muscle-strengthening exercises. Pelvic floor exercises, such as Kegel exercises, strengthen your pelvic muscles.
Is it normal for your rectum to bleed during a procedure?
It is normal for your rectum to bleed a little during the procedure. Along with the reduction technique, treating the cause of your rectal prolapse (e.g. constipation) may help you delay or even avoid the surgery. Ask your doctor about what you can do. Your doctor will usually advise you to.
Does the rectum drop out of the anus?
The rectum has moved out of its place but does not drop out of the anus. Although rectal prolapse can occur at any stage of life, it is more common in older adults who suffer from chronic constipation. Additionally, women aged 50 years and above are more likely to develop rectal prolapse.
What tests are done to determine if you have a rectocele?
At your appointment, your doctor will discuss your symptoms and review your medical history with you. The doctor will then perform a physical exam to determine the extent of the rectocele and identify any secondary prolapses, if present. Rarely, imaging tests such as ultrasound or MRI may also be performed.
What is the purpose of rectocele repair?
The goal of rectocele repair is to strengthen the wall between the vagina and rectum. In this surgical procedure, the doctor will make an incision into the back wall of the vagina. The layers under the vaginal wall are then sutured together in such a way as to tighten the tissues and reinforce the strength of the wall.
What are the symptoms of rectocele?
Symptoms of a rectocele may include pelvic, vaginal and rectal pressure. Factors that may increase your risk of developing a rectocele include giving birth vaginally, age, obesity and chronic constipation. Mild cases of rectocele are often improved with nonsurgical therapies, such as bowel training. If symptoms are particularly problematic, your ...
Is a rectocele the same as a rectal prolapse?
A rectocele is not the same thing as rectal prolapse.
