Rectal prolapse is a rare ailment that can be very uncomfortable. Many people attempt to treat the symptoms of their rectal prolapse at home; however, sometimes additional treatment from a colorectal specialist is needed. Below, we will discuss what the condition is, what causes it, and the different ways to treat rectal prolapse.
What is rectal prolapse?
Rectal prolapse occurs when part of the rectum pushes through the anus. Prolapse occurs because the rectum becomes unattached inside the body and bulges through the anus. Rectal prolapse is a fairly uncommon condition. The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons estimates that rectal prolapse affects less than 3 in every 100,000 people.
Causes of Rectal Prolapse
Rectal prolapse can be triggered by a variety of things including:
Pregnancy
Constipation or chronic straining
Diarrhea —present in around 15 percent of people
Conditions that make a person cough a lot
Rectal Prolapse Treatment
Depending on your type of prolapse, your doctor may initially attempt to treat symptoms, including constipation, with foods high in fiber, including fruit, vegetables, and whole grains. Laxatives may help push along bowel movements without straining and over-the-counter medications can help with the pain. Surgery can also be recommended to fix the rectal prolapse. The type of surgery you will need will depend on many factors:
Type of prolapse: Full-thickness, Mucosal, or Internal
Age
Other medical problems if present
If constipation is a symptom
Types of Rectal Prolapse Surgery
There are two general types of surgery for rectal prolapse: abdominal and perineal.
Abdominal: This surgery is completed through the abdomen using one or multiple incisions in the abdominal wall. The technique is often used for full-thickness rectal prolapse.
Perineal: This method involves cutting out the full-thickness segment of a prolapsing rectum and is a preferred alternative for people who can’t receive general anesthesia.
Though you may be able to treat some of the symptoms of rectal prolapse, surgery is often necessary to fix the cause of rectal prolapse. It’s best to visit a colorectal specialist to get the medical advice and treatment plan you need to help alleviate your rectal prolapse. At Colorectal Clinic of Tampa Bay, our trained specialists can help you figure out the best course of treatment for your rectal prolapse.