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Rectal Prolapse

Movement of rectal walls such that they protrude from anus, or result in internal intussusception.Encyclopedia Entry for Rectal Prolapse :Rectal prolapse repair. Rectal prolapse may be partial, involving only the inner lining of the bowel ( mucosa ). Or, it may be complete, involving the entire wall of the rectum. For most adults, surgery is used to repair the rectum because there is no other effective treatment. Children with rectal prolapse do not always need surgery, unless their prolapse does not improve over time. In infants, prolapse often disappears without treatment. Most surgical procedures for rectal prolapse are done under general anesthesia. For older or sicker people, epidural or spinal anesthesia may be used. There are three basic types of surgery to repair rectal prolapse. Your surgeon will decide which one is best for you. For healthy adults, an abdominal procedure has the best chance of success. While you are under general anesthesia, the doctor makes a surgical cut in the abdomen and removes a portion of the colon. The rectum may be attached (sutured) to the surrounding tissue so it will not slide and fall out through the anus. Sometimes, a soft piece of mesh is wrapped around the rectum to help it stay in place. These procedures can also be done with laparoscopic surgery (also known as keyhole or telescopic surgery). For older adults or those with other medical problems, an approach through the anus (perineal approach) might be less risky. It might also cause less pain and lead to a shorter recovery. But with this approach, the prolapse is more likely to come back (recur). One of the surgical repairs through the anus involves removing the prolapsed rectum and colon and then suturing the rectum to the surrounding tissues. This procedure can be done under general, epidural, or spinal anesthesia. Very frail or sick people may need a smaller procedure that reinforces the sphincter muscles. This technique encircles the muscles with a band of soft mesh or a silicone tube. This approach provides only short-term improvement and is rarely used.Risks of anesthesia and surgery in general include: Reactions to medicines, breathing problems Bleeding, blood clots Risks of this surgery include: Infection. If a piece of rectum or colon is removed, the bowel needs to be reconnected. In rare cases, this connection can leak, causing infection. More procedures may be needed to treat the infection. Constipation is very common, although most people have constipation before the surgery. In some people, incontinence (loss of bowel control) can get worse. Return of prolapse after abdominal or perineal surgery.During the 2 weeks before your surgery: You may be asked to stop taking medicines that make it harder for your blood to clot. These include aspirin, ibuprofen, naprosyn, and warfarin. Ask your doctor which medicines you should still take on the day of your surgery. If you smoke, try to stop. Ask your doctor for help. Be sure to tell your surgeon if you get sick before your surgery. This includes a cold, flu, herpes flare-up, urinary problems, or any other illness. Eat high-fiber foods and drink 6 to 8 glasses of water every day. The day before your surgery: Eat a light breakfast and lunch. You may be told to drink only clear liquids such as broth, clear juice, and water afternoon. Follow instructions about when to stop eating or drinking. You may be told to use enemas or laxatives to clear out your intestines. If so, follow those instructions exactly. On the day of your surgery: Take any medicines that your doctor told you to take with a small sip of water. Be sure to arrive at the hospital on time.How long you stay in the hospital depends on the procedure. For open abdominal procedures it may be 5 to 8 days. You will go home sooner if you had laparoscopic surgery. The stay for perineal surgery may be 2 to 3 days. You should make a complete recovery in 4 to 6 weeks.The surgery usually works well at repairing the prolapse. Constipation and incontinence can be problems for some people.Rectal prolapse surgery; Anal prolapse surgery.Rectal prolapse repair - series Rectal prolapse repair - series.Mahmoud NN, Bleier JIS, Aarons CB, Paulson EC, Shanmugan S, Fry RD. Colon and rectum.Encyclopedia Entry for Rectal Prolapse :Rectal prolapse. The exact cause of rectal prolapse is unclear. Possible causes may include any of the following: An enlarged opening due to relaxed muscles in the pelvic floor, which is formed of muscles around the rectum Loose muscles of the anal sphincter An abnormally long colon Downward movement of the abdominal cavity between the rectum and uterus Prolapse of the small intestine Constipation Diarrhea Chronic coughing and sneezing A prolapse can be partial or complete: With a partial prolapse, the inner lining of the rectum bulges partly from the anus. With a complete prolapse, the entire rectum bulges through the anus. Rectal prolapse occurs most often in children under age 6. Health problems that may lead to prolapse include: Cystic fibrosis Intestinal worm infections Long-term diarrhea Other health problems present at birth In adults, it is usually found with constipation, or with a muscle or nerve problem in the pelvic or genital area.The main symptom is a reddish-colored mass that sticks out from the opening of the anus, especially after a bowel movement. This reddish mass is actually the inner lining of the rectum. It may bleed slightly and can be uncomfortable and painful.The health care provider will perform a physical exam, which will include a rectal exam. To check for prolapse, the provider may ask the person to bear down while sitting on a toilet. Tests that may be done include: Colonoscopy to confirm the diagnosis Blood test to check for anemia if there is bleeding from the rectum.Call your provider if a rectal prolapse occurs. In some cases, the prolapse can be treated at home. Follow your provider's instructions on how to do this. 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. Immediate surgery is rarely needed. In children, treating the cause often solves the problem. For example, if the cause is straining because of dry stools, laxatives may help. If the prolapse continues, surgery may be needed. In adults, the only cure for rectal prolapse is a procedure that repairs the weakened anal sphincter and pelvic muscles.In children, treating the cause cures rectal prolapse. In adults, surgery usually cures the prolapse. When rectal prolapse is not treated, constipation and loss of bowel control may develop.Call your provider right away if there is a rectal prolapse.In children, treating the cause usually prevents rectal prolapse from happening again.Procidentia; Rectal intussusception.Rectal prolapse Rectal prolapse Rectal prolapse repair - series Rectal prolapse repair - series.Kliegman RM, Stanton BF, St. Geme JW, Schor NF. Surgical conditions of the anus and rectum.