Understanding Rectal Prolapse: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options in 2024

Understanding Rectal Prolapse: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options in 2024

What is Rectal Prolapse?

Rectal prolapse occurs when the rectum, the last section of the large intestine, weakens and loses its supporting tissues, causing it to bulge or protrude through the anus. This condition can be unsettling and sometimes painful, but it’s important to understand that it’s not necessarily a medical emergency. However, seeking medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment is crucial.

Symptoms of Rectal Prolapse:

The most common symptom of Rectal Prolapse is a feeling of a bulge or mass coming out of the anus. This may happen during extended periods of bowel movements, straining, or standing. Other symptoms can include:

• • Difficulty passing stool (straining)
• • Leakage of mucus or stool
• • Feeling like your bowels haven’t completely emptied after a bowel movement
• • Bleeding from the rectum
• • A sense of incomplete bowel movement

Causes of Rectal Prolapse:

Several factors can contribute to weakening the muscles and tissues that support the rectum, leading to rectal prolapse. Some of the most common causes include:

• • Chronic straining: During constipation, childbirth, or heavy lifting, the pelvic floor muscles supporting the rectum can weaken.
• • Aging: As we age, the tissues in our bodies naturally lose strength and elasticity, including those in the pelvic floor.
• • Childbirth: Vaginal delivery, especially of large babies or multiple births, can put stress on the pelvic floor muscles, increasing the risk of prolapse.
• • Obesity: Excess weight puts additional pressure on the pelvic floor, increasing the risk of prolapse.
• • Chronic cough or lung disease: Chronic coughing can strain the pelvic floor muscles.

Diagnosis of Rectal Prolapse:

Your doctor will typically diagnose rectal prolapse through a physical examination, which may involve a digital rectal exam and possibly anoscopy or sigmoidoscopy. These procedures allow the doctor to visualize the rectum and assess the severity of the prolapse.

Treatment Options in 2024:

The best treatment approach for Rectal Prolapse depends on your symptoms’ severity and overall health. In 2024, several treatment options are available, offering a range of minimally invasive and surgical procedures.

1. Lifestyle Modifications:

For mild cases of rectal prolapse, lifestyle changes can often be very effective in managing symptoms and preventing further prolapse. These modifications include:

• • Treating constipation: Eating a high-fiber diet, drinking fluids, and exercising regularly can help soften stool and make bowel movements easier.
• • Managing weight: Losing weight can reduce pressure on the pelvic floor and improve symptoms.
• • Pelvic floor muscle exercises: Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles through exercises like Kegels can improve support for the rectum.

2. Minimally Invasive Procedures:

For moderate cases, minimally invasive procedures may be recommended. These offer quicker recovery times than traditional surgery and are often performed outpatient. Some examples include:

• • Biologic mesh repair: This procedure involves inserting a mesh patch through the vagina to support the rectum.
• • Suture suspension: Sutures are placed around the rectum to lift it back into its proper position.

3. Surgical Repair:

Surgery may be necessary in more severe cases or when other approaches haven’t been successful. Laparoscopic surgery is becoming increasingly common for rectal prolapse repair due to its minimally invasive nature and quicker recovery times. This approach involves making small incisions in the abdomen and using laparoscopic instruments to repair the prolapse.

Living with Rectal Prolapse:

With proper diagnosis and treatment, most people with Rectal Prolapse can lead full and active lives. While there’s no cure for rectal prolapse, a combination of lifestyle modifications, minimally invasive procedures, and surgical techniques, if necessary, can effectively manage symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Also Read:- After the Surgery: Recovering from Rectal Prolapse Repair

Remember:

It’s important to consult a qualified medical professional such as Dr. Aparna Govil Bhasker for proper diagnosis and treatment of rectal prolapse. Early intervention and seeking medical advice can help prevent the advancement of the prolapse and ensure the best possible outcomes.