What is rectal prolapse?
Rectal prolapse is what happens when part of the rectum slips past the digestive tract’s muscular opening, or the anus. This can also cause faecal incontinence and requires surgery to correct, especially in patients that have chronic symptoms.
When rectal prolapse occurs, some patients may struggle to push the rectum back in place while others may experience a leakage of stools or the inability to properly control bowel movements. These problems are more common in elderly women and children. For children suffering from rectal prolapse, some alternative, non-surgical treatments are available to address underlying causes.
Symptoms and causes of rectal prolapse
Rectal prolapse can occur as a complication of conditions such as chronic diarrhoea and constipation. These conditions can harm the muscles of the rectum and anus over time and result in rectal prolapse. Ageing can also contribute to rectal prolapse because your muscles weaken as you get older. Diseases, infections and pregnancy can lead to the condition too.
Rectal prolapse is characterised by a piece of the rectum bulging out of the body through the anus. This bulge can sometimes be itchy, painful and difficult to push back into the body. If left untreated, the bulge can become damaged or infected.
Diagnosis and treatment
Dr Elliot will perform a physical rectal exam to diagnose a case of rectal prolapse. Dr Elliot will either go through the perineum or abdomen to perform this surgery. Rectal prolapse surgery in younger people is often done via the rectum, while surgery in older people is usually done via the perineum or the space between the anus and genitals. As a specialist colorectal surgeon Dr Michael Elliot specialises in rectal prolapse treatment.