Rectal prolapse

The protrusion of part of the rectum through the anus occurs due to the stretching of its structures. As a result of morphological changes, the tissues lose their elasticity, increase in volume, and extend outward because they can no longer maintain their normal position. This pathology most commonly affects the lower part of the organ, located just above the anus.

To prevent rectal prolapse from causing discomfort and pain, regular prevention is necessary. This includes minimizing the causes of the condition and avoiding excessive physical strain. The specialists at “New Life” Medical Center, who have extensive practical experience and academic degrees, provide valuable consultations on this matter.

When a portion of the intestine protrudes, the risk of tissue infection significantly increases. This condition is often accompanied by a loss of muscle tone in the pelvic area, leading to fecal incontinence. Contaminated areas quickly become affected by pathogenic microorganisms—most commonly bacteria, and sometimes viruses. Their activity can lead to secondary infectious diseases such as viral enteritis, enterocolitis, and even benign or malignant tumors.

Rectal prolapse also causes significant discomfort, forcing the patient to constantly monitor bowel movements, experience frequent urges to defecate, and endure pain.

This condition is more common in men who engage in excessive physical labor. However, it can also occur in adolescents and women, particularly in the third trimester of pregnancy.

At-risk professions include:

• drivers
• loaders
• couriers
• athletes

Delayed treatment can lead to the necessity of surgery, as rectal prolapse often results in severe complications. Possible secondary conditions include:

1. chronic peritonitis
2. rectal bleeding
3. acute intestinal obstruction
4. strangulation of rectal and sigmoid colon segments

Additionally, there is a high risk of tumor formation, secondary infections, and even ulcerative lesions of the mucous membrane.

This condition typically develops due to a combination of factors that lead to significant disruptions in bodily functions:

• chronic exhaustion, extreme dieting
• frequent constipation
• pregnancy in women
• infrequent bowel movements
• consequences of anal intercourse
• dysfunction of pelvic floor muscles
• intestinal infections
• spinal injuries
• complications from musculoskeletal strain

Rectal prolapse may also result from pregnancy-related processes, complicated childbirth, previous surgeries, infertility, and certain age-related physiological changes.

During the initial stage of prolapse, a sliding hernia forms due to increased intra-abdominal pressure and weakened pelvic muscles. Eventually, intussusception occurs, where a segment of the rectum moves into its own lumen and then exits through the anus.

The condition manifests from its earliest stages and can often be identified even at home. However, self-diagnosis should be approached with caution, as some symptoms are similar to those of other proctological diseases.

Before rectal prolapse occurs, a patient may experience:

• mild abdominal pain
• episodes of constipation

Other key symptoms include:

1. anal discharge containing blood and mucus
2. fecal incontinence
3. gas incontinence
4. swelling of the anal canal’s mucosa
5. increasing abdominal pain
6. false urges to defecate

Patients may feel a foreign body sensation in the lower abdomen, as well as bloating and distension. To determine the exact cause of the prolapse, additional diagnostics are required, including:

• anorectal manometry
• defecography
• ultrasound examination
• radiography

All of these procedures are available at the diagnostic department of the “New Life” clinic.

Our proctologists will determine the type, form, and severity of the condition. Medical practice distinguishes two main types of this pathology:

• Hernial-type prolapse
• Intussusceptive rectal prolapse

The condition is also classified by severity, with three degrees of prolapse:

• occurring during defecation
• occurring during physical exertion
• occurring with minimal activity

Conservative therapy is effective only in the early stages when the prolapsed segment has not yet exited the anus. At this stage, a course of medication is prescribed to regulate intra-abdominal pressure, reduce inflammation and infections, and relieve symptoms.

However, in most cases, surgical intervention is necessary to manually reposition the rectum. At “New Life” Clinic, the following surgical procedures are performed:

1. anal and pelvic floor reconstruction
2. resection of the prolapsed segment
3. fixation surgeries

Non-surgical treatment options include:

• therapeutic physical exercises
• physiotherapy
• sclerosing injections
• electrical stimulation of the sphincter

Our specialists select the most effective treatment method to ensure a stable result and minimize the risk of recurrence.