Rectal prolapse is a medical condition when the rectum (the bottom end of the large intestine) falls through the muscular opening of the anus.
If the rectal prolapse is mild, then the GP may prescribe medicines to soften the stools (as straining can cause the rectum to move down), or the prolapse can be gently pushed back up into place by hand. More severe cases may require surgery.
The three types of rectal prolapse are1:
Internal prolapse: The rectum starts to drop but has not yet pushed through the anus.
Partial prolapse: Only part of the rectum has moved through the anus.
Complete prolapse: The entire rectum extends out through the anus.
If the prolapse is more severe and left untreated, it may cause ulcers in the rectum or bowel incontinence as the muscle ring around the anus becomes damaged. Therefore you may require surgery.
Surgery helps to repair the prolapse and relieve symptoms and can either be done through the abdomen or perineum.
For example, surgery through the abdomen is called an abdominal rectopexy and involves pulling the rectum back up and into its proper position; this can be done by open surgery (one large incision) or laparoscopically (keyhole surgery) using a few incisions and specially designed surgical instruments.
Rectal prolapse can also be repaired by surgery through the perineum (the area between the genitals and anus) and this is called a perineal rectosigmoidectomy (perineal rectal prolapse surgery). The two types are1:
These procedures are often recommended for people who have severe constipation and where laproscopic surgery through the abdomen is not recommended.
Further reading:
1https://www.healthline.com/health/rectal-prolapse (accessed January 30th 2022)
General, Colorectal and Laproscopic Surgeon
I qualified from King’s College School of Medicine (London) in 1995 and went on to train in surgery in the London areas. I finished my Surgical training at St Mark’s hospital in Harrow, the National Centre for Colorectal disease. I also completed a PhD in the genetics of Familial Adenomatosis Polyposis (FAP) jointly at St Mark’s and with Cancer Research UK, at Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London. I therefore have a strong background in both science and surgery.
At Ipswich hospital I have a number of senior roles and leadership is a significant part of my practice. These roles have included: Clinical Lead, Colorectal Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) lead, Surgical Tutor and Health Education East of England (HEEoE) Performance Support Well-being Case Manager. My present Leadership roles include: Foundation Years Training Programme Director (TPD), General Medical Council (GMC) performance assessor Team Leader, and Appraiser and Educational Supervisor. The GMC recognises me as a dedicated trainer, for future doctors. I am trusted to teach the next generation of surgeons and therefore practice using the latest techniques following national guidelines in a professional manner.
