Symptoms of rectal prolapse may include:
- A mass that comes out of the anus, often while straining during a bowel movement. The mass may slip back inside the anus, or it may remain visible
- The inability to control bowel movements (fecal incontinence)
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Leaking blood or mucus from the rectum
- Feeling that your rectum isn't empty after a bowel movement
Your physician can diagnose rectal prolapse condition by taking a careful history and performing an anorectal examination. 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. At times, however, a rectal prolapse may be "hidden" or internal. In this situation, an X-ray examination called a videodefecogram may be helpful. This examination, which takes X-ray pictures while the patient is having a bowel movement, can also assist the physician in determining whether surgery may be beneficial and which operation may be appropriate. Anorectal manometry may also be used. This test measures whether or not the muscles around the rectum are functioning normally.
Although constipation and straining may be causes of rectal prolapse, simply correcting these problems may not improve the prolapse once it has developed. There are many different ways to surgically correct rectal prolapse.
Abdominal or perineal surgery may be suggested. Our experienced team can assist in determining which method is best, based on the test results, extent of prolapse and patient health. If anal muscle strength has been compromised due to the prolapse, in many cases strength may be regained after corrective procedures.
For future success, chronic constipation and straining after surgical correction must be avoided. A great majority of patients are completely relieved of symptoms, or are significantly helped, by the appropriate procedure.