Rectal Prolapse Causes, Signs & Symptoms | Treatment
What is rectal prolapse?
Rectal prolapse is a condition in which the walls of the rectum protrude through the anus and are visible outside the body. Rectal prolapse is commonly seen in elderly people and is rare among children.
What are the signs and symptoms of rectal prolapse?
There is a sensation as if something is protruding out from the anus
Bleeding or mucus discharge from the protruding tissue may be present
Pain during bowel movements, and discomfort
Involuntary bowel movements
The feeling as if bowels are not completely evacuated
Itching, irritation, and pain in the anal region
Sensation to push back the rectum inside
What are the causes of rectal prolapse?
The ligaments and muscles of the rectum become weak which result in rectal prolapse
History of chronic constipation is the major cause of rectal prolapse
Straining during defecation
Increasing age
Malnutrition
Sphincter paralysis
Congenital bowel disorders like Neuronal Intestinal Dysplasia and Hirschsprung’s Disease
A whooping cough
Pregnancy
Stress of childbirth
History of previous surgery
Spinal injury or back injury
Cystic fibrosis
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Irritable bowel syndrome(IBS)
Hemorrhoids
Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy
What are the types of rectal prolapse?
There are 3 main types of rectal prolapse; Partial, complete and internal prolapse.
— Partial prolapse
In the case of partial rectal prolapse, the lining of the rectum protrudes out of the anus. It mainly occurs after straining during a bowel movement.
— Complete prolapse
In case of complete prolapse, the entire wall of the rectum protrudes out of the anus. Initially, it may occur during bowel movements.
Complete prolapse over time may occur while standing or walking.
— Internal prolapse
In internal prolapse, a part of the large intestine or rectum may slide over another part of the rectum, this condition is called intussusception.
In this case, the rectum does not protrude out of the anus.
How to investigate the rectal prolapse?
History of the patient & family history
Physical examination
Sigmoidoscopy
Barium enema
Colonoscopy
What is the differential diagnosis of rectal prolapse? How to treat rectal prolapse?
If the patient is suffering from constipation, the stool softeners are used to reduce the pain and straining during the bowel movement.
In severe cases, surgery is required.
How to manage the case of rectal prolapse?
Avoid constipation
Avoid straining during bowel movement
Kegel exercises
Diet should include high fiber content to avoid straining during defecation
Drink plenty of water
Can homeopathy help in this case?
Yes, homeopathy can help in this case. It depends upon person to person. Some of the homeopathic medicines which can help in rectal prolapse are:
What are the complications of rectal prolapse?
Infection
Bleeding
Fissure
Intestinal injury
Bladder and sexual function alterations
Constipation
Outlet obstruction
Originally published at https://www.drthindhomeopathy.com on November 9, 2020.
















