Treatment of rectal prolapse

Rectal prolapse is a condition in which the rectum shifts downward and partially or completely protrudes through the anal opening. Normally, it is held in the correct position by the muscles of the pelvic floor, ligaments, and surrounding tissues. When these structures weaken or stop supporting it sufficiently, displacement and prolapse of the intestine through the anal canal may occur.

Anal prolapse may have different degrees of severity — from a slight displacement of the mucous membrane to complete prolapse of the rectal wall. That is why, to establish an accurate diagnosis and determine further treatment tactics, examination by a proctologist is necessary.

The development of rectal prolapse is usually associated with weakening of the pelvic floor muscles and ligaments that support the rectum in the correct position. When these structures lose their strength or are constantly subjected to excessive load, displacement of the intestine may occur.

The factors that may contribute to the development of this condition include:

• chronic constipation and constant strong straining during defecation;
• long-term disturbances of bowel function;
• weakening of the pelvic floor muscles;
• age-related changes in tissues;
• injuries or operations in the pelvic area;
• neurological disorders that affect the function of the pelvic floor muscles.

In some cases, rectal prolapse after childbirth is associated with significant load on the muscles and ligaments of the pelvic floor during the birth of a child. This may lead to their weakening and disruption of support of the rectum.

Factors that increase intra-abdominal pressure also play an important role, for example prolonged cough, lifting of heavy objects, or intense physical exertion. If several such factors are present, the risk of prolapse development may increase.

In the early stages, prolapse may manifest only during defecation: at this moment the rectum prolapses, but after bowel movement it returns back on its own. As the disease progresses, protrusion may occur more often, and sometimes the patient notices that the rectum protrudes even during physical strain or prolonged staying in a vertical position.

When symptoms appear that may indicate prolapse, it is important to consult a proctologist. During the consultation, the specialist clarifies the patient's complaints, specifies when the first manifestations appeared and under what circumstances rectal prolapse occurs.

The examination usually begins with inspection of the area of the anal opening. The doctor may ask the patient to strain slightly in order to assess tissue displacement and determine the degree of prolapse. After this, a digital examination of the rectum is performed, which allows assessment of the condition of the muscles of the anal canal and exclusion of other pathologies.

To уточнить the diagnosis, instrumental examination methods may be used:

• anoscopy — examination of the anal canal using a special instrument;
• rectoromanoscopy — endoscopic examination of the rectum and the lower sections of the sigmoid colon;
• colonoscopy — endoscopic examination of the large intestine, which allows exclusion of accompanying diseases;
• if necessary — ultrasound examination or MRI of the pelvic organs.

Comprehensive diagnostics helps confirm prolapse, determine its stage, and exclude other diseases of the rectum. In particular, during the examination the doctor assesses the condition of the mucous membrane and excludes pathologies that may have similar symptoms, for example anal polyps, inflammatory diseases, or other proctological disorders.

If intestinal prolapse is confirmed, treatment is chosen depending on its stage, severity of symptoms, the patient's age, and the condition of the pelvic floor muscles. In some cases, at the early stages the doctor may recommend conservative measures aimed at reducing the load on the rectum and normalizing bowel function. These include dietary correction, normalization of bowel movements, and exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.

However, in cases of pronounced prolapse, the main method of assistance is surgical treatment. The goal of the operation is to return the rectum to the correct anatomical position and fix it, which helps prevent repeated prolapse.

In modern proctology, various surgical methods are used:

• operations through the anal canal — performed without incisions on the abdominal wall and may be used for certain forms of prolapse;
• laparoscopic operations — minimally invasive interventions through small punctures on the anterior abdominal wall, during which the rectum is fixed in the correct position;
• open surgical operations — used in more complex or advanced cases.

During surgical treatment, the doctor may perform fixation of the rectum to surrounding structures, as well as correction of accompanying anatomical changes. The method of intervention is selected individually after examination.

Most operations are performed under general or spinal anesthesia. After the intervention the patient usually stays in the hospital under medical supervision. Later it is important to follow the doctor's recommendations regarding nutrition, physical activity, and bowel function in order to reduce the risk of recurrent prolapse.

Surgical treatment in the «Oxford Medical» clinic is performed in a high-tech surgical hospital equipped with modern equipment, which allows interventions to be carried out as accurately and safely as possible. After surgery, patients remain under constant medical supervision in comfortable single or double hotel-type rooms. This approach ensures not only high-quality treatment, but also calm recovery in comfortable conditions.

It is impossible to completely eliminate the risk of prolapse development, however certain measures help reduce the likelihood of rectal prolapse and maintain normal bowel function. It is especially important to pay attention to prevention for people who have chronic constipation or have had injuries or surgeries in the pelvic area.

The main preventive recommendations include:

• maintaining regular soft bowel movements without strong straining;
• a diet with a sufficient amount of fiber (vegetables, fruits, whole grain products) and adequate water intake;
• timely treatment of constipation and intestinal diseases;
• strengthening the pelvic floor muscles with the help of special exercises;
• avoiding lifting excessively heavy objects and excessive physical strain.

It is also important to consult a doctor in time when proctological symptoms appear. Early diagnosis helps detect the disease at early stages and prevent its progression.

The cost of treatment depends on the stage of prolapse and the chosen method of therapy. In some cases the doctor may recommend conservative treatment, however in more pronounced prolapse surgical methods are used. In such a case the price may be influenced by the type and complexity of the operation, the type of anesthesia, as well as the need to stay in the hospital after the intervention.

You can familiarize yourself with the prices for medical services in advance here. The doctor will inform you more precisely about the treatment possibilities, operation options and their cost during the consultation.

You can make an appointment at a time convenient for you — by phone or through the online appointment form on the website.