Rectal prolapse
Rectal prolapse occurs when part or your entire rectum (last part of your colon where stool is stored) falls out of your anus (back passage).
Prolapse can happen to young children but it is most often seen in older patients who may have a history of constipation.
Symptoms of rectal prolapse are tissue coming out of your anal passage after a bowel movement. The tissue may bleed slightly or be uncomfortable. You may also experience leaking from your bowels (bowel incontinence) and constipation. In the first stages the prolapse may retract back into your anus by itself. Later the prolapse may remain exposed and need to be manually pushed back into place.
How is rectal prolapse treated?
In some cases, treatment of the underlying problem causing the prolapse (i.e. constipation) may resolve the prolapse. Your consultant may recommend changes in your diet along with laxatives, stool softeners or bulking agents to ease constipation.
If conservative methods to treat your rectal prolapse are not successful your consultant may recommend rectal prolapse repair surgery.
Related tests and scans
Related treatments and procedures
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