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Rectal Prolapse

Marie L Borum, MD, EdD, MPH Reviewed 05/2023
 


BASICS

Circumferential protrusion of the rectum beyond the anus 

DESCRIPTION

Several types 
  • Partial prolapse

    • Involves only mucosa

    • Frequently follows operative anal procedures (radial rectal folds prolapsed...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

Common historical elements 
  • Presence of palpable or visible rectal mass

  • Rectal pain, bleeding, or soiling

  • Prior anorectal surgery

  • Spinal cord injury or defect

  • Constipation and straining

    • Fee...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • For acute cases: Prompt manual reduction. If there are signs of bowel compromise (e.g., gangrene), emergency surgery is indicated.

  • Place patient in lithotomy position or knee-...

ONGOING CARE

Biofeedback improves postoperative function, especially in patients with pelvic floor dyssynergia. 

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Patient Monitoring

Monthly visits until possible need for surger...

REFERENCES

1
Cannon JA. Evaluation, Diagnosis, and Medical Management of Rectal Prolapse. Clin Colon Rectal Surg. 2017;30(1):16-21. doi: 10.1055/s-0036-1593431. PMID: 28144208.
2
T...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Bordeianou L, Paquette I, Johnson E, et al. Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Treatment of Rectal Prolapse. Dis Colon Rectum. 2017;60(11):1121-1131

  • ...

SEE ALSO

Hemorrhoids; Intussusception 

CODES

ICD10

K62.3 Rectal prolapse 

SNOMED

  • 57773001 Rectal prolapse (disorder)

  • 71663002 Incomplete rectal prolapse

  • 197213004 Complete rectal prolapse

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Rectal prolapse most commonly involves females in their 5th decade.

  • In children, rectal prolapse is most common in children <3 years and typically resolves spontaneously.

  • In adults, t...

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