A Simple Guide to Rectal Prolapse, (Updated) diagnosis, Treatment and Related Conditions

This book describes Rectal Prolapse, Diagnosis, Treatment and Related Conditions

Rectal Prolapse Update
Constipation stays as the main cause of rectal prolapse.

Cystic fibrosis is no longer a frequent cause for rectal prolapse due to the implementation of newborn screening.

Patients with social stress or abnormal behavior may be at risk for repeat rectal prolapse.

Drink more water and do more walking especially after food to help the digestion.

Take more fruits, vegetables and fibers that will help to improve the bowel movement,

Rectal prolapse is a medical disorder that happens when part or the entire wall of the rectum slides out of place, occasionally protruding out of the anus
Rectal prolapse happens when the rectum descends (falls and passes through) the anal opening.

In children aged between infancy and age 4, rectal prolapse is normally a self-limiting disorder, responding to conservative treatment.

In some patients, prolapse may remain indefinitely, requiring surgical intervention.

The largest incidence of rectal prolapse has been observed in the first year of life.

Children presenting after age 4 normally have a chronic disorder predisposing them to have developed rectal prolapse.

Rectal prolapse happens when part or the total rectum slides out of place and protrudes out of the anus, turning the rectum inside out.

The rectum is the final segment of the large intestine before the anus (the opening through which stool passes out of the body).

There are 3 types of rectal prolapse.

1. Partial prolapse (also called mucosal prolapse).

The lining (mucous membrane) of the rectum glides out of place and normally protrudes out of the anus

This can happen when the patient strains to have a bowel movement.

Partial prolapse is most frequent in children who are less than 2 years of age.

2. Complete prolapse.

The whole wall of the rectum moves out of place and normally protrudes out of the anus.

Initially, this may happen only during intestinal movements.

Finally, it may happen when the patient stands or walks.

Occasionally, the prolapsed tissue may remain outside of the body all the time.

3. Internal prolapse (intussusception)

One part of the wall of the large intestine (colon) or rectum may pass into or over another portion, like the folding parts of a telescope.

The rectum does not stick out of the anus.

Intussusception is most frequent in children and rarely affects adults.

In children, the precise cause is normally not known.

In adults, it is normally related to another intestinal disorder, such as a growth of tissue in the wall of the intestines (such as a polyp or tumor).

In severe cases of rectal prolapse, a part of the large intestine drops from its normal position as the tissues that maintain it in place stretch.

Rectal prolapse is most frequent in children and older adults, particularly women.

Rectal prolapse is an uncomfortable disorder that normally requires surgery to fix.

Occasionally, the treatment of the rectal prolapse can be done at home.

The rectum can be pushed back inside the intestine manually.

A soft, warm, wet cloth is required to apply gentle pressure to the mass to push it back through the anal opening.

The person should lie on one side in a knee-chest position before pressure is applied.

This position permits gravity to help keep the rectum back into position.

Conservative treatment of rectal prolapse involves:
1. Stool softeners and laxatives,
2. Avoidance of prolonged straining, and
3. Treatment of any predisposing underlying disorders.

Prolapse in children is likely to go away on its own.

Immediate surgery of the rectal prolapse is rarely required.

TABLE OF CONTENT
Introduction
Chapter 1 Rectal Prolapse
Chapter 2 Cause
Chapter 3 Symptoms
Chapter 4 Diagnosis
Chapter 5 Treatment
Chapter 6 Prognosis
Chapter 7 Hemorrhoids
Chapter 8 Difficult Defecation
Epilogue