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Rectal Prolapse
Rectal prolapse occurs when the rectum drops down through the anus. Among adults, rectal prolapse is more common in those older than age 50 and more common in women than in men. Rectal prolapse is rare in children. Find out about the causes, symptoms, and treatment of rectal prolapse.
Colon Anatomy and Function
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Drawing of cross section of the rectum and anus
Image by NIDDK Image Library
Rectal prolapse occurs when the rectum drops down through the anus. In complete rectal prolapse, the entire wall of the rectum drops through the anus. In partial rectal prolapse, only the lining of the rectum drops through the anus.
Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Digestive System, Liver, Stomach, Small Intestine, Colon, Rectum, Anus
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Rectal prolapse is relatively uncommon. A study conducted in Finland found that, each year, about 2.5 out of every 100,000 people are diagnosed with complete rectal prolapse.
Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Female Abdomen Showing Lower Digestive Tract
Image by TheVisualMD
Among adults, rectal prolapse is more common in those older than age 50 and more common in women than in men. About 80 to 90 percent of adults with rectal prolapse are women.
Rectal prolapse is rare in children, and children with this condition are typically younger than age 4.
Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Perineal Muscles
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Experts aren’t sure what causes rectal prolapse. Certain structural defects and risk factors may increase the chance of rectal prolapse.
In adults with rectal prolapse, doctors have found certain defects in the pelvis or lower GI tract. These defects may increase the chance of rectal prolapse, or rectal prolapse may cause or worsen these defects. Structural defects often found in adults with rectal prolapse include
In children with rectal prolapse, doctors have found differences in the structure of the rectum. For example, the rectum may not have the usual curve and may be in a straight, vertical position, which may increase the chance of prolapse.
Certain conditions that increase pressure inside the abdomen or weaken the pelvic floor muscles may increase the chance of rectal prolapse. Examples include
Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Cystocele
Image by NIDDK Image Library
Some women who have rectal prolapse have weak pelvic floor muscles. These women may have other problems related to weak pelvic floor muscles, such as
Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Constipation - Fecal matter in the lower bowel
Image by TheVisualMD
The symptoms of rectal prolapse include
Without treatment, symptoms such as constipation and bowel control problems may get worse. Over time, the rectum may drop through the anus more often and more easily. The rectum may not go back inside the body on its own and may need to be pushed back into place.
If you have symptoms of rectal prolapse, you should see a doctor for treatment. Treatment can help prevent symptoms from getting worse and prevent complications.
Seek medical help right away if you have symptoms of complications, such as heavy bleeding or a rectal prolapse that can’t be pushed back inside the body.
Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Colonoscopy with arrows showing direction
Image by TheVisualMD
To diagnose rectal prolapse, doctors ask about medical history and symptoms and perform a physical exam. In some cases, doctors also order tests.
Your doctor will examine your anus to see if you have a complete or partial rectal prolapse. If your doctor doesn’t see a prolapse, he or she may ask you to strain as if you are having a bowel movement to see the rectal prolapse. Your doctor may also perform a digital rectal exam.
Doctors may order tests to confirm the diagnosis of rectal prolapse or to check for other problems. These tests may include
Doctors may order additional tests to check how well the nerves and muscles of your rectum and anus are working, such as anorectal manometry.
Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Defecography
Also called: Evacuation Proctography, Evacuation Proctogram, Magnetic Resonance (MR) Defecography, Voiding Proctography
Defecography uses x-rays or magnetic resonance imaging to create a video that shows how well your rectum can hold and empty stool and shows structural changes in your rectum and anus. This test is used to evaluate for disorders of the lower bowel that are not evident by tests such as colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy.
Colonoscopy
Also called: Coloscopy
Colonoscopy is an exam in which a doctor uses a colonoscope, to look inside your rectum and colon. Colonoscopy can show irritated and swollen tissue, ulcers, polyps, and cancer.
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Barium Enema
Also called: Lower GI Series
A barium enema, also called a lower GI series, is an x-ray exam used to help diagnose problems of the large intestine. To make the large intestine more visible on x-ray, the intestine is filled with a chalky liquid called barium.
Colon Anatomy and Function
Image by TheVisualMD
In adults, doctors most often treat rectal prolapse with surgery. Even after surgery, rectal prolapse can happen again. Reducing or avoiding constipation can lower the chance that it will happen again.
In children, doctors typically treat rectal prolapse by treating the underlying cause, such as constipation, straining during bowel movements, or diarrhea. If treating the cause doesn’t work, doctors may perform surgery to correct the prolapse.
Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
The external and internal anal sphincter muscles
Image by NIDDK Image Library
The complications of rectal prolapse include
Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
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