Rectal Prolapse Research Paper
Rectal Prolapse
A rectal prolapse happens when the inside of the final section of your large intestine (rectum) pushes out through your anal opening. This can result from weakened muscles that attach the rectum to the inside of your lower belly. Then, the lower part of your rectum turns inside out.
At first a prolapsed rectum may be temporary. It may happen only when you are having a bowel movement. Over time, the prolapse gets worse. It will start to happen more often and cause uncomfortable symptoms. Eventually the prolapse may happen when walking or simply standing.
CAUSES
The cause of weak muscles that can lead to rectal prolapse is not completely understood.
RISK FACTORS
You may be more likely to have rectal prolapse if you:
• Are …show more content…
• Inability to control bowel movements (incontinence).
• Rectal bleeding.
DIAGNOSIS
Your health care provider can diagnose rectal prolapse based on your signs and symptoms. Your health care provider will also do a physical exam. If the prolapse happens during your exam, your health care provider will be able to see and feel it. If your prolapse is not visible, you may be asked to squat and strain to cause a prolapse. Your health care provider may also do tests to learn more about your condition and plan treatment. You may have:
• A rectal exam using a flexible scope (sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy).
• X-rays of your rectum after a special material (contrast material) is injected into your rectum. Contrast material shows up on the X-ray to make images clearer. This procedure is called defecography.
TREATMENT
Surgery to repair the weakened muscles is the only way to cure a rectal prolapse. The goal of surgery is to reconnect the rectum to attachments inside the lower belly. There are several ways to do this. The most common surgery is done through an incision in the lower belly (rectopexy). Your health care provider may recommend another type of surgery. The best procedure for you depends on how severe your prolapse is. It also depends on your age and physical
A rectal prolapse happens when the inside of the final section of your large intestine (rectum) pushes out through your anal opening. This can result from weakened muscles that attach the rectum to the inside of your lower belly. Then, the lower part of your rectum turns inside out.
At first a prolapsed rectum may be temporary. It may happen only when you are having a bowel movement. Over time, the prolapse gets worse. It will start to happen more often and cause uncomfortable symptoms. Eventually the prolapse may happen when walking or simply standing.
CAUSES
The cause of weak muscles that can lead to rectal prolapse is not completely understood.
RISK FACTORS
You may be more likely to have rectal prolapse if you:
• Are …show more content…
• Inability to control bowel movements (incontinence).
• Rectal bleeding.
DIAGNOSIS
Your health care provider can diagnose rectal prolapse based on your signs and symptoms. Your health care provider will also do a physical exam. If the prolapse happens during your exam, your health care provider will be able to see and feel it. If your prolapse is not visible, you may be asked to squat and strain to cause a prolapse. Your health care provider may also do tests to learn more about your condition and plan treatment. You may have:
• A rectal exam using a flexible scope (sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy).
• X-rays of your rectum after a special material (contrast material) is injected into your rectum. Contrast material shows up on the X-ray to make images clearer. This procedure is called defecography.
TREATMENT
Surgery to repair the weakened muscles is the only way to cure a rectal prolapse. The goal of surgery is to reconnect the rectum to attachments inside the lower belly. There are several ways to do this. The most common surgery is done through an incision in the lower belly (rectopexy). Your health care provider may recommend another type of surgery. The best procedure for you depends on how severe your prolapse is. It also depends on your age and physical