1. What Is Rectal Prolapse?
Imagine the tissue lining your rectum falling out through the anus or just sticking out. This is called "rectal prolapse" in medical parlance. It occurs most often in children under age 6 and in the elderly. If you know someone elderly with a long history of constipation or weakness of the pelvic floor muscles, have them checked at once with a local doctor or their family physician if you suspect this condition. Studies indicate that it is more commonly seen in women, especially those who have undergone a hysterectomy.
2. Why Does It Happen?
There is no single reason why rectal prolapse occurs. Researchers have attributed it to infectious disease such as pinworm, whipworm or cystic fibrosis. It may be also related to poor diet or problems with digestion and absorption. Constipation as well as anal and pelvic damage may be some of the other causes.
3. Know the Symptoms
It can be a "pain in the butt," literally. If you or your loved one is suffering from pain in the anus or rectum combined with bleeding and mucus discharge, report it to your family physician at once. Or perhaps you notice tissue protruding from the anus while having bowel movements. Your physician can tell you whether or not it is a case of hemorrhoids.
4. How to Get Treated
Often, you will need to visit your health care provider if a rectal prolapse occurs. In some cases, the prolapse can be treated at home. Your doctor will advise if and how you should treat your condition manually. It may involve pushing back the rectal tissue to where it belongs. There may be more to it than meets the eye. Treatment of the underlying condition or ailment is essential for a lasting cure. First, you may need to be treated for infection or digestive ailments. Depending on your age and clinical circumstances, your physician may recommend manual, anatomical or therapeutic approaches or even surgery, especially if you are elderly.
5. Going Under the Knife
Your physician may decide that surgery is required to correct the rectal prolapse. The surgical approach may entail opening your abdomen under general, epidural or spinal anesthesia. Or you may need nothing more than a "keyhole" incision. Your surgeon will exercise his scalpel depending on your condition. He may remove some of your colon or just the tissue that has prolapsed. He will make sure the tissue stays put by inserting an appropriate medical fixture.
