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DIGESTIVE SERVICES

Symptoms & Causes

Rectal Prolapse

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What is Rectal Prolapse?

What is Rectal Prolapse?

Rectal prolapse occurs when the rectum drops out of its normal position and protrudes out through the anal opening (anus). In general, a prolapse is when a body part falls or moves downward in the body.

In the early stages of rectal prolapse, the rectum may protrude after a bowel movement and then go back to its normal position on its own. However, over time the condition may become worse and require surgery.

Rectal prolapse vs. hemorrhoids

In the early stages, rectal prolapse may feel and look similar to hemorrhoids but the two conditions are very different.

A rectal prolapse is chronic and progressively gets worse, involving the entire rectum slipping out through the anus. If untreated, rectal prolapse can become very serious and cause severe complications.

Hemorrhoids, which can be temporary, are swollen veins in the inner lining of the anal canal that cause itching, pain, and a slight discharge of blood during bowel movements.

Types of Rectal Prolapse

Types

There are two types of rectal prolapse where part or all of the rectal wall slides out of place protruding from the anus.

  • Full thickness prolapse. A complete prolapse occurs when the entire wall of the rectum protrudes externally from the anus.
  • Partial or mucosal prolapse. A partial mucosal prolapse occurs when a portion of the rectal lining, or the mucosa of your rectum, turns inside out and protrudes externally from the anus.

The term “internal prolapse” is used to describe the initial phase of rectal prolapse when the rectum has started to drop but is not yet protruding externally from the anus. This is the most difficult phase to diagnose as it is not yet protruding and visible.

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Signs & Symptoms of Rectal Prolapse

Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of rectal prolapse vary and are typically experienced in the initial stages during or after a bowel movement.

Some of the other most common rectal prolapse symptoms include:

  • Leaking of stool from the anus (fecal incontinence)
  • Leaking of mucus or blood
  • Feeling an urgent need to have a bowel movement
  • Consistent feeling of having full bowels or pressure in the rectum
  • Passage of small stools and not being able to empty the bowels fully

As the condition worsens, other symptoms may include:

  • Feeling an abnormal bulge in the anus after lifting, coughing, or sneezing
  • Feeling like there’s something left in your anus after a bowel movement
  • Pain, itching, irritation, and bleeding in the rectal area or anus
  • Bright red tissue that is protruding from the anus

If you are experiencing any of these warning signs, our rectal prolapse specialists can help treat the symptoms and the best approach to developing a rectal prolapse treatment plan.

What Causes Rectal Prolapse?

Causes

The exact causes of rectal prolapse are not clear. However, many things can lead to the condition, including:

Complications

Complications

Complications of rectal prolapse occur when the prolapse can’t be pushed back into its normal position, goes untreated, or if the prolapse is recurring.

The most common complications include:

  • Ulcers or painful sores in the rectum (rectal ulcers) that can bleed uncontrollably leading to anemia
  • Blood supply to the area dropped through the anus being cut off. This is known as strangulation which could lead to tissue death or decay of the rectal area (gangrene).
  • Damage to sphincter muscles causing fecal incontinence
  • Difficulty having a bowel movement

Stomach Flu Prevention

Prevention

To help prevent or reduce the likelihood of developing rectal prolapse:

  • Get treatment for chronic bowel disorders and other conditions to eliminate straining
  • Strengthen or keep pelvic floor muscles fit with regular activities such as Kegel exercises
  • Eat a healthy diet to prevent constipation and straining
    • Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water daily
    • Eat a high-fiber diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables
  • Stay active and exercise regularly
Get Care

Trust NewYork-Presbyterian for Rectal Care

If you are experiencing any symptoms of rectal prolapse that may require treatment, contact one of the colon and rectal surgeons at NewYork-Presbyterian to set up an appointment at a location near you.