Introduction

Prolapse rectum is a condition in which a portion of the large intestine protrudes beyond the anus. It usually affects elderly men and women, sparticularly womens who have had multiple pregnancies. People who strain and lift heavy weights are more likely to develop rectal prolapse.

Rectal prolapse is classified into three types.

1. Internal prolapse- the rectum has begun to drop but has not yet slipped out of the anus.
2. Mucosal prolapse- the rectum's superficial layer protrudes from the anus.
3. Complete prolapse- the entire rectum protrudes from the anus, resembling a large red ball.

What are the signs and symptoms of rectal prolapse?

Rectal prolapse symptoms include:

• Feeling a bulge outside your anus
• Seeing a red mass outside your anus
• Pain in the anal area
• Bleeding per rectum
• Incomplete sense of evacuation
• Leakage of mucus, blood, and stools

What are the treatment options for a patient with rectal prolapse?

Rectal prolapse is a structural illness that requires structural treatment in most cases, except in very early cases where stool softeners and lifestyle changes can be given to avoid straining. However, it is a progressive condition, and many people will require surgery at some point.

The patient can choose between two types of surgeries:

1. Transanal
2. Abdominal

We perform the following procedures with excellent results at Proctocare Clinic:

• Laparoscopic anterior rectopexy for complete prolapse
• STARR procedure for mucosal prolapse
• Trans-Anal Suture Rectopexy for complete prolapse.
• Anterior rectopexy laparoscopically (laparoscopic rectal prolapse operation)

Rectal prolapse can be repaired using an open approach (opening the abdomen) or a laparoscopic approach. We recommend the laparoscopic approach because it has several advantages. The prolapsed rectum is pulled up and fixed with Prolene mesh to part of the pelvic bone using a minimally invasive laparoscopic approach in rectal prolapse repair.

What are the benefits of laparoscopic rectal prolapse repair?

• It is a minimally invasive surgery with very small incisions and wounds
• Short hospital stay
• Quick recovery
• Less pain and discomfort