Rectal prolapse is a distressing condition that can significantly affect quality of life—but with proper diagnosis and expert care, it is highly treatable. At Colorectal Clinic of Tampa Bay, patients receive advanced, evidence-based treatment tailored to their symptoms, health status, and long-term goals.
This guide explains what rectal prolapse is, common symptoms, modern treatment options, and what recovery looks like, using the latest medical research.
What Is Rectal Prolapse?
Rectal prolapse occurs when the rectum protrudes through the anus, either partially or completely. It most often affects older adults and women, but it can occur in anyone, especially those with chronic constipation, pelvic floor weakness, or prior pelvic surgery (Oruç & Erol, 2023).
There are two main forms:
External rectal prolapse (visible protrusion)
Internal rectal prolapse (intussusception), which occurs inside the rectum and is not externally visible
Common Symptoms of Rectal Prolapse
Symptoms often worsen over time and may include:
A bulge or tissue protruding from the anus
Fecal incontinence or leakage
Constipation or incomplete evacuation
Rectal bleeding or mucus discharge
Pelvic pressure or discomfort
Studies show that fecal incontinence and constipation frequently coexist, due to stretching and weakening of the anal sphincter muscles (Joubert & Laryea, 2016).
How Rectal Prolapse Is Diagnosed
Diagnosis typically involves:
Physical examination
Colonoscopy (to rule out other conditions)
Defecography or pelvic imaging
Pelvic floor function testing
Accurate assessment is essential, as many patients also have coexisting pelvic floor disorders that influence treatment choice (Oruç & Erol, 2023).
Treatment Options for Rectal Prolapse
Non-Surgical Management (Limited Role)
Conservative treatment—such as fiber supplementation, stool softeners, and pelvic floor therapy—may help internal prolapse or early symptoms, but full-thickness rectal prolapse almost always requires surgery.
Surgical Treatment Options
Surgery is the gold standard for long-term relief and improved quality of life.
1. Abdominal (Laparoscopic or Robotic) Rectopexy
Lower recurrence rates
Better functional outcomes
Faster recovery with minimally invasive techniques
Systematic reviews show abdominal approaches—especially laparoscopic rectopexy—have lower recurrence rates than perineal surgery (Al Zangana et al., 2024) (Fuschillo et al., 2025).
2. Perineal Procedures (Delorme or Altemeier)
Less invasive
Often chosen for elderly or high-risk patients
Higher recurrence risk
Importantly, there is no single “best” surgery—treatment must be individualized.
Recovery After Rectal Prolapse Surgery
Most patients experience:
Hospital stay of 1–3 days (often shorter with laparoscopic surgery)
Gradual return to normal bowel function
Significant improvement in quality of life
A large meta-analysis found quality-of-life scores improved after surgery regardless of surgical approach (Yousefi-Koma et al., 2025).
Why Choose Colorectal Clinic of Tampa Bay?
At the Colorectal Clinic of Tampa Bay, patients benefit from:
Board-certified colorectal surgeons
Minimally invasive and robotic surgery expertise
Personalized treatment planning
Comprehensive pelvic floor evaluation
Early intervention can prevent worsening incontinence and complications, especially since untreated prolapse often progresses.
Rectal prolapse is a serious but treatable condition. Modern surgical techniques offer durable relief, improved continence, and better quality of life. Expert evaluation at a specialized center makes all the difference.
Works Cited
Oruç, M., & Erol, T. (2023). Current diagnostic tools and treatment modalities for rectal prolapse. World Journal of Clinical Cases. Link
Al Zangana, I., Al-Taie, R., Al-Badri, S. G., & Ismail, M. (2024). Rectal prolapse surgery: Balancing effectiveness and safety. Cureus. Link
Fuschillo, G., Selvaggi, L., Cuellar-Gomez, H., & Pescatori, M. (2025). Comparison of perineal and abdominal approaches. International Journal of Colorectal Disease. Link
Yousefi-Koma, H., Rahnama, Y., Najari, D., et al. (2025). Quality of life after rectal prolapse surgery. Techniques in Coloproctology. Link