Rectal Prolapse

Rectal prolapse occurs when the wall of the rectum slips down far enough to protrude out through the anus and become visible outside the body, with three to five recognized types depending on whether the prolapse is visible externally and whether it involves the full or only partial thickness of the rectal wall. It can be present without symptoms, or it can cause mucous discharge, rectal bleeding, degrees of fecal incontinence, and difficulty completing a bowel movement, depending on the type. It is diagnosed more often in elderly women, though it can occur at any age and in either sex, and while it is very rarely life-threatening, its symptoms can be seriously debilitating if left untreated. Surgery successfully treats most cases of external prolapse, while internal prolapse is harder to treat and not all patients are suited to surgery, leaving conservative management for those with mild symptoms or who cannot have an operation.