Rectal prolapse: why it happens, symptoms of the disease, treatment methods

Rectal prolapse is a pathological condition that causes significant discomfort for a person. It is characterized by frequent or complete protrusion of the organ’s tissue outside the anal opening. Specialists also refer to this condition as rectal prolapse. If such a condition occurs, it is necessary to seek professional help urgently to avoid complications.

Why the Rectum Prolapses in Women: Causes

Factors contributing to the development of this pathological condition can be divided into predisposing and contributing factors. The former include abnormalities in the structure of the pelvic bones and the shape of the intestine. The most common contributing causes are:

• pregnancy and childbirth (multiple, difficult);
• chronic constipation or diarrhea;
• acute and chronic diseases of the reproductive organs;
• complications after spinal or pelvic surgery;
• constant increase in intra-abdominal pressure — can be caused by chronic constipation or increased strain;
• age-related changes of the rectovaginal septum, sphincters, muscles located in the pelvic floor area.

What can cause rectal prolapse in men

This pathological condition in men occurs less frequently than in women. It can develop due to hereditary predisposition, incorrect structure of the organ or pelvic bones, constant excessive strain, or regular constipation. Rectal prolapse can also be caused by injuries to the pelvic area or spinal damage, parasitic infections.

What symptoms accompany mucosal rectal prolapse

Prolapse usually develops gradually. At first, a person may experience an unpleasant sensation of something being present in the anus. As the pathology progresses, this and the following manifestations become more pronounced:

• difficulty holding gas or stool;
• false urges to defecate;
• pain during walking, bowel movements, or physical strain;
• discharge of mucus and blood.

If the pathology is not treated, ulcers may develop on the walls of the organ, which will complicate its course.

Stages of the disease

At the initial stage, prolapse occurs only during bowel movements. After some time following defecation, the organ returns to its place on its own. The person feels as though there is a foreign object in the anus. The patient experiences discomfort.
At the next stage, prolapse occurs not only when a person has a bowel movement. It can happen while walking, sneezing. Prolapse causes significant discomfort, and the person experiences pain.
At the next stage, the intestine protrudes even if the person is not performing any actions. It becomes quite difficult to return it back. The person’s mood deteriorates, they may experience depression and apathy, and their quality of life decreases significantly.

Diagnosis

Modern high-tech equipment is used to assess the condition and stage of the disease. The following methods are used for research:

• Irrigoscopy — radiological examination of the large intestine, during which images are taken;
• Anoscopy — examination of the anus using a special instrument;
• Colonoscopy — endoscopic method.

When neoplasms are detected, the specialist prescribes a CT scan or biopsy. The list of diagnostic procedures is individualized.

First aid, treatment

Manual repositioning can provide only temporary relief. Surgery may correct the anatomical prolapse, but the procedure is selected individually and recurrence remains possible. The choice of the type of surgery depends on the stage of the pathological condition:

1. Initial and limited forms of prolapse require clarification of the diagnosis: mucosal prolapse and complete rectal wall prolapse are different conditions. Treatment of constipation, correction of straining, and pelvic floor function training can reduce symptoms, but do not always eliminate the anatomical defect. Thrombectomy treats a thrombosed haemorrhoid and is not a treatment for rectal prolapse.
2. In cases of complete rectal prolapse, the surgeon evaluates abdominal and perineal surgeries, including various options for rectopexy or resection procedures as indicated. The choice depends on age, overall condition, anatomy, constipation, and continence function. Operations on haemorrhoids cannot automatically replace treatment for complete prolapse; a separate individual plan is required.

The HAL-RAR method surgeries used in our clinic are considered the most effective and safe. Complete resolution of the pathology occurs in 96% of cases. The procedure addresses the cause of the disease, which eliminates the possibility of recurrence.
During all operations, an epidural catheter is used for postoperative pain relief (spinal-epidural anesthesia with epidural block placement) – the patient feels absolutely no pain.

Prevention

A lasting relapse-free effect depends not only on the professional skill of surgeons. It is necessary to completely eliminate the etiological factors of the disease — constipation, diarrhea, physical overexertion, etc. The disease can develop against the background of a combination of several factors. Therefore, all risks should be minimized.

Prognosis

With timely consultation at our clinic, specialists are able to completely relieve the patient of the pathological condition and normalize bowel function. In our center, rectal prolapse treatment is carried out in modern operating rooms equipped with the latest equipment. This allows the implementation of minimally invasive surgical techniques that do not require long rehabilitation.

We are waiting for preventive diagnostics and treatment

If you experience intestinal problems manifested by pain in the anal area, painful defecation, frequent stool disturbances, discomfort, and traces of blood on toilet paper, schedule your first consultation as soon as possible (check the cost when booking) at our center. In addition to rectal prolapse, we treat acute and chronic anal fissures, pararectal fistulas, presacral cysts, and other intestinal pathologies.

Do not postpone taking care of your health, as timely detection and early treatment of pathology significantly increase the chances of a quick and effective result. Schedule an appointment by filling out the form on the website.