Rectal Prolapse and Procidentia
Introduction
Who is at risk?
Signs and symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Introduction
Rectal prolapse is a condition in which the rectum falls downwards and
turns inside out. Initially, the rectum stays inside the body, but as
the condition worsens, it may protrude outside through the anus. There
is often weakness of the anal muscles, which may result in leakage of
mucus or stool.
Incomplete rectal prolapse involves the abnormal protrusion
of rectal mucosa through the anus. There is a partial overlap of this
diagnosis with chronic prolapsed hemorrhoids, especially if part of the
prolapse is hemorrhoids, and part of the tissue is rectal mucosa. If the
protrusion of rectal mucosa is only partial, then this is called a partial
mucosal prolapse.
There are two types of rectal prolapse: 1) incomplete
- involving only the rectal mucosa, and 2) complete - involving both the
rectal mucosa and the rectal wall - this is also called a procidentia.
View hemorrhoid gallery for detailed
photos.
Procidentia is a condition in which the rectum literally
turns "inside out" and can extend as far as eight inches beyond
the anus is not known. Whether weak musculature of the pelvic floor and
anal canal is a cause or an effect of this condition is still a matter
of controversy. A possible etiology is herniation of the cul-de-sac (a
displacement of the rectum from its usually protected place in the hollow
of the sacrum). In the horse, procidentia is a natural occurrence at the
time of each bowel movement, but this not true in humans.
Complete rectal procidentia,
showing concentric
rings of everted rectum protruding from anus.
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Who is at risk?
In general, patients with rectal prolapse are seen at extreme ages, the
very young and the very old.
Elderly patients may present with a history of chronic
constipation or laxative abuse. They may have lax pelvic floor muscles
or reduced anal sphincter tone.
In adults, partial mucosal prolapse is associated with
3rd degree hemorrhoids. In females partial or complete mucosal prolapse
may be due to anal injury during delivery, or other pelvic operations.
There is also a subset of patients in the pediatric age
group, usually related to toilet training problems. Infants lack a normal
sacral curve, and still have undeveloped resting anal tone. Children presenting
with rectal prolapse may have associated episodes of diarrhea, whooping
cough, or malnutrition causing loss of ischiorectal fat. Rectal prolapse
in children may be a sign of Cystic Fibrosis.
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Signs and
symptoms
When a complete rectal prolapse occurs, the rectal wall protrudes and
turns inside out forming concentric rings (procidentia), whereas if an
incomplete prolapse occurs, only the rectal mucosa protrudes. At first,
prolapse of the rectum may occur only at defecation later. It may accompany
sneezing and coughing, and may also occur at any exertion. Disturbances
of normal continence, mucus, bleeding, and impairment of rectal sensation
are frequent. There have been reports of patients-although few-who have
developed gangrene from this condition.
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Diagnosis
Prolapse of the rectum has to be differentiated from large prolapsed hemorrhoids,
polyps, or tumors. It is also important to distinguish between mucosal
(incomplete) and complete prolapse. To demonstrate the prolapse, patients
may be asked to "strain" as if having a bowel movement or to
sit on the commode and "strain" prior to examination. Children
with unexplained rectal prolapse should have a sweat chloride test to
evaluate for Cystic Fibrosis. Diagnostic studies include rectal examination,
sigmoidoscopy, and possibly a barium enema. Anorectal manometry may also
be used. This test measures the strength of the muscles of the anus.
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Treatment
A great majority of patients are completely relieved of symptoms, or are
significantly helped, by the appropriate treatment. Rectal prolapse is
most often a chronic condition, and can usually be reduced with the patient
recumbent with gentle manual pressure. Patients should minimize their
time sitting at commode, and should be maintained on a suitable stool
softener pending specialty assessment.
Management of incomplete rectal prolapse in adults is
similar to that of hemorrhoids. Treatment includes injection sclerotherapy,
mucosal banding, or surgical restoration and plastic repair of the anus
and rectum. Occasionally anal sphincter repair is required.
Procidentia in children usually can be corrected by conservative
measures. These include: a nutritious diet, avoiding straining at stool,
and immediate replacement of the bowel after each protrusion to avoid
swelling and possible difficulty in reduction. Children frequently "outgrow"
the disease as the natural curve of the sacrum becomes more concave, and
surgery may not be needed.
Injections of' sclerosing agents such as 5% phenol in
almond oil in the hollow of the sacrum have helped many patients with
procidentia. These injections, however, should only be done by a person
experienced in this procedure.
In adults with procidentia who are good-risk patients,
abdominal surgery is usually indicated. There are several surgical approaches.
A relatively simple operation fixes the rectum in the hollow of' the sacrum.
Another method is resection and low anastomosis of the sigmoid to the
rectum. In patients unable to withstand an abdominal operation, amputation
and anastomosis can be performed by a perineal approach or a relatively
tight purse-string non-absorbable suture to the anus. This suture, usually
wire, can be placed deep to the subcutaneous tissue at the anorectal area.
Local anesthesia is used.
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