Rectal Prolapse Treatment - Diagnosis, Surgery & Recovery
Rectal prolapse is a proctological condition in which the rectum slides down the anus and often leads to potential complications such as strangulation of the rectum, bleeding, and ulceration. Therefore, timely treatment is a must. At SurgiKure, we provide advanced surgical treatments for Rectal Prolapse and help patients get relief from the discomfort caused by this condition. Book your appointment with our proctologists now!
What Is Rectal Prolapse?
The rectum is located at the end of the large intestine. It is the section of the digestive tract where the stool is held before it passes through the system. When the stool reaches the rectum, you may experience an urge to defecate. A group of muscles push the stool out of the anus. A rectal prolapse occurs when the rectum is pushed out along with the stool. The word ‘prolapse’ is used when any organ of the body slips from its original position.
Rectal prolapse is more common in women than in men and generally affects people over 50 years or those who have a history of chronic constipation or diarrhoea.
How is Rectal Prolapse Diagnosed?
The complete diagnostic procedure for rectal prolapse includes:
Physical Examination: In the physical examination, the doctor observes the rectum and may insert a gloved and lubricated finger in the anus to check the strength of the anal sphincter and the rectum. In this exam, the doctor will ask you to describe your symptoms and medical history to understand the condition better. They may even ask you to squat and strain as you do during the bowel movement.
Based on the findings of the physical assessment, the doctor might ask you to get some other tests done.
Anal electromyography (EMG): This test lets doctors measure the effectiveness of muscles and nerves in the rectum. The doctors place electrodes a few inches into the rectum to perform this test. The procedure takes a few minutes.
Colonoscopy: This diagnostic procedure involves the insertion of a thin and flexible tube with a small camera (colonoscope) into the rectum to perform a visual exam of the area.
**Anorectal manometry: **In this test, doctors use a flexible tube which is the size of a thermometer and has a small deflated balloon attached to its end to measure the rectum’s response to pressure. The device is inserted into the rectum before conducting the test.
Barium enema: In the Barium Enema test, the doctors place a chalky liquid containing barium in the rectum of the patient. The barium becomes visible on the X-rays, producing clear images of the area.
Defecography: In this test, the doctors use x-rays or MRIs to monitor your colon as you have a bowel movement.
Lower GI series: To perform this test, doctors place a chalky liquid containing barium in the large intestine of the patient. This liquid lets doctors get a clear picture of the area on an x-ray.
Transit study: In this test, the doctor asks the patient to swallow one or more capsules which have markers on them. These markers can be seen on the X-ray. After swallowing the capsules, the patient has to appear for x-rays for the next 5 days. It helps doctors assess how the markers pass through the intestines.
In some cases, the doctor might suggest some urological or gynaecological exams to check for weak areas in the pelvic floor and see if other organs, such as the uterus, have prolapsed as well.