Rectal prolapse

The rectum is the temporary storage area for bowel motions, and makes up the last 20cm or so of the large bowel. Rectal prolapse occurs when the rectum turns itself inside out and comes out through the anus. In the early stages, a portion of the rectum slips out while passing a bowel motion, but it goes back inside by itself.

Without treatment, the rectum will eventually need to be pushed back in manually. Women are six times more likely to suffer rectal prolapse than men. The condition isn’t thought to be directly caused by childbirth, although vaginal childbirth is a risk factor for rectocele. Children of both sexes under the age of three years are also commonly affected, although the prolapse tends to resolve by itself without the need for surgery. Another type of prolapse is a rectocele, which means the rectum has protruded into the vagina.

Symptoms

The symptoms of rectal prolapse depend on the severity, but can include:

• Pain and discomfort felt deep within the lower abdomen
• Blood and mucus from the anus
• The feeling of constipation, or that the rectum is never completely emptied after passing a motion
• Protrusion of the rectum through the anus
• The need to use huge quantities of toilet paper to clean up following a bowel motion
• Leakage of liquefied faeces, particularly following a bowel motion
• Faecal incontinence, or reduced ability to control the bowels.

Categories of prolapse

Rectal prolapse is categorised according to its severity, including:

• Internal prolapse - the rectum has prolapsed, but not so far as to slip through the anus. This is also known as incomplete prolapse.
• Mucosal prolapse - the interior lining of the rectum protrudes through the anus.
• External prolapse - the entire thickness of the rectum protrudes through the anus. This is also known as complete or full thickness prolapse.

A range of possible causes

The exact cause of rectal prolapse is unknown, but risk factors include:

• Chronic constipation
• Straining to pass bowel motions
• Weakened pelvic floor muscles
• Weakened anal sphincter muscles
• Weakening of the muscles may be associated with ageing, since rectal prolapse is more common in people aged 65 years and over
• Genetic susceptibility, since it appears that some people with rectal prolapse have a blood relative with the same condition
• Parasitic infection, such as schistosomiasis. This is very rare in Australia
• Any condition that chronically increases the amount of pressure within the abdomen, such as benign prostatic hypertrophy, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Structural problems with the ligaments that tether the rectum to its surrounds
• Congenital problems of the bowel, such as Hirschsprung’s disease or neuronal intestinal dysplasia
• Prior trauma to the lower back
• Disc disease in the lower back.

Complications

Some of the complications of rectal prolapse include:

• Risk of damage to the rectum, such as ulceration and bleeding
• Incarceration, which means the rectum can’t be manually pushed back inside the body
• Strangulation of the rectum, which means the blood supply is reduced
• Death and decay (gangrene) of the strangulated section of rectum.

Diagnosis methods

Rectal prolapse is diagnosed by examination. In cases where the rectum goes back inside by itself after passing a bowel motion, the patient may have to bear down during examination by the doctor to show the prolapse in order to confirm the diagnosis. In cases of suspected internal prolapse, diagnostic tests may include ultrasound, special x-rays and measurement of the anorectal muscle activity (anorectal manometry). If the patient has experienced rectal bleeding, the doctor may want to do a number of tests to check for other conditions such as bowel cancer. About 11 per cent of children with rectal prolapse have cystic fibrosis, so it is important to test young patients for this condition too.

Treatment options

Treatment depends on the age of the patient and the severity of the prolapse, but could include:

• Diet and lifestyle changes to treat chronic constipation: for example, more fruit, vegetables and wholegrain foods, increased fluid intake and regular exercise. This option is often all that’s needed to successfully treat rectal prolapse in young children.
• In cases of mucosal prolapse, the structures are secured in place with surgical rubber bands.
• Surgery is sometimes used to secure the rectum into place, performed through the abdomen or via the anus. One operation involves tethering the rectum to the central bone of the pelvis (sacrum). Another operation is to remove the prolapsed part of the rectum and to rejoin the bowel to restore near-normal bowel function. While abdominal surgery may give better long term results, elderly patients may be advised to undergo surgical correction via the anus, since it is easier to recover from this procedure.

Where to get help

• Your doctor
• Colorectal or general surgeon

Things to remember

• The exact cause of rectal prolapse is unknown, but risk factors include chronic constipation, straining to pass bowel motions, and weakened pelvic floor muscles.
• Treatment includes surgery, performed through the abdomen or via the anus, to tether the rectum into place.
• A diet that successfully treats constipation is often all that’s needed to cure rectal prolapse in young children.

You might also be interested in:

• Incontinence - prevention tips.
  
• Incontinence - tips for carers.
  
• Incontinence and continence problems.
  
• Pelvic floor.
  
• Prolapse of the uterus.
  
• Rectal prolapse - surgical repair.
  
• Slow transit constipation.
  

Want to know more?

Go to More information for support groups, related links and references.

This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:

(Logo links to further information)

Southern Health

Fact sheet currently being reviewed.
Last reviewed: March 2012

Content on this website is provided for education and information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. Content has been prepared for Victorian residents and wider Australian audiences, and was accurate at the time of publication. Readers should note that, over time, currency and completeness of the information may change. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.

If you would like to link to this fact sheet on your website, simply copy the code below and add it to your page:

<a href="http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Rectal_prolapse?open">Rectal prolapse - Better Health Channel</a><br/>
Rectal prolapse occurs when the rectum turns itself inside out and comes out through the anus. Women are six times more likely to suffer rectal prolapse than men. Another type of prolapse is a rectocele, which means the rectum has protruded into the vagina. Young children may also be affected by rectal prolapse. Treatment includes surgery to secure the rectum in place.

Content on this website is provided for education and information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your qualified health professional. Content has been prepared for Victorian residence and wider Australian audiences, and was accurate at the time of publication. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users are urged to always seek advice from a qualified health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.

For the latest updates and more information, visit www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au

Copyight © 1999/2013  State of Victoria. Reproduced from the Better Health Channel (www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au) at no cost with permission of the Victorian Minister for Health. Unauthorised reproduction and other uses comprised in the copyright are prohibited without permission.