Rectal Prolapse
A rectal prolapse is where rectum or part of the rectum come down through anal opening while passing motion or excessive coughing especially in elders and children.
There are two types of rectal prolapse:
- Complete or Full-thickness: The full thickness of the wall of the rectum comes out through the anus.
- Partial or Mucosal: Only the lining of the anus (known as the mucosa) sticks out through the anus.
What are the cause of rectal prolapsed?
Weak musculature with lack of nutrition is the main factor responsible for prolapsed. There are lots of risk factors and causes associated with rectal prolapse, some of these includes.
- Constipation or chronic straining.
- Chronic diarrhoea.
- Trauma to the rectal muscle due to injury or surgery at the anal region.
- Pregnancy specially repeated pregnancies.
- Chronic cough as in bronchitis or asthma.
- Neurological conditions.
What are symptoms of rectal prolapse?
- Feeling of mass: At first, it might only notice a lump or swelling coming out of the anus when they have a motion get reduced itself can person reduce initially, but over the time however, the prolapse is likely to protrude permanently, and a person will be unable to push the prolapse back. Lastly when it worsens a rectal prolapse may happen when a person coughs, sneezes, or standing.
- Bleeding: inflammation and ulceration may cause bleeding in this condition where bright red colour blood comes out.
- Constipation, orsticky diarrhoea may present in some people who have a rectal prolapsed.
- Other symptoms like discomfort difficulty in controlling bowel movement.
What are the Complications?
- Strangulated prolapse:This occurs when part of rectum becomes trapped and cuts off the blood supply, causing tissue to die. This can develop gangrene, and the area will turn black and drop off. It is rare and requires surgery.
- Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome: Present in mucosal prolapse, ulcers can develop on the part of the rectum sticking out. This complication often requires surgery.
When to see a doctor?
- Although a rectal prolapse is not often defined as an emergency medical problem, it can be uncomfortable, embarrassing, and have a significant adverse effect on the person’s mental and physical life.
- Therefore it is essential for anyone who has noticed any signs or symptoms of rectal prolapse to see a doctor as soon as possible.
- The longer a person puts off receiving treatment for rectal prolapse the greater chance of permanent problems, such as incontinence and nerve damage.
How it gets diagnosed?
- In order to diagnose a rectal prolapse, the doctor will look at the person’s medical history, ask them about their symptoms, and conduct a physical examination.
- A physical examination will involve the doctor inserting a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum. While this can be uncomfortable and possibly embarrassing, it should not be painful and is very important for an accurate diagnosis.
- Further tests may be required to clarify the diagnosis or rule out other processes, which include:
- Proctography: A type of X-ray that shows the rectum and anal canal during a bowel movement.
- Colonoscopy: A long, flexible, tube-like camera called a colonoscope is inserted to take a closer look at the large intestine and rectum.
- Endoanal ultrasound: A thin ultrasound probe looks at the muscles used to control the bowels.
What is the treatment of rectal prolapsed?
- In the first instance, it is important to treat constipation. This might be achieved by eating plenty of foods that are high in fibre, such as fruit, vegetables, and wholegrain.
- Bulking laxatives, which help a person have a bowel movement without straining, may also be recommended, as well as drinking plenty of water.
- If that does not work, then surgery may be advised. The type of surgery will depend on a number of factors:
- Abdominal: Entry through the belly through a cut or several cuts in the abdominal wall. Often used for full-thickness prolapse.
- Perineal: Involves cutting out the full thickness segment of the prolapsing rectum. Suitable for people who cannot have a general anaesthesia.
How to prevent it?
- There are some lifestyles changes people can make to try and avoid rectal prolapse.
- Keep habit of eating plenty of fibre items.
- Take plenty of water and fluids.
- Regular anal exercise.
- Avoiding excessive straining during a bowel movement.
