Rectal prolapse overview: Difference between revisions
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===Prevention=== | ===Prevention=== | ||
'''Primary prevention:''' [[Constipation]] is one of the most common cause of rectal prolapse. Sufficient fiber intake and pharmacological treatment of [[constipation]] ([[laxatives]]) can prevent developing rectal prolapse | '''Primary prevention:''' [[Constipation]] is one of the most common cause of rectal prolapse. Sufficient fiber intake and pharmacological treatment of [[constipation]] ([[laxatives]]) can prevent developing rectal prolapse | ||
'''Secondary prevention:''' Ultimate goal of treatment is to prevent progression of prolapse to incarceration or strangulation and to restore defecation function. | '''Secondary prevention:''' Ultimate goal of treatment is to prevent progression of prolapse to incarceration or strangulation and to restore defecation function. | ||
Revision as of 16:49, 2 February 2018
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Rectal prolapse overview On the Web |
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Risk calculators and risk factors for Rectal prolapse overview |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Shaghayegh Habibi, M.D.[2]
Overview
Rectal prolapse normally describes a medical condition wherein the walls of the rectum protrude through the anus and hence become visible outside the body.
Historical Perspective
In medieval times, scientists suggested that rectal prolapse could be prevented by using a scar (through burning the anus) or by using a stick. In the 20th century, rectal prolapse was studied scientifically and Nowadays there are various surgical methods for rectal prolapse treatment.
Classification
Rectal prolapse may be classified into complete and incomplete subtypes based on disease extension or be classified into pediatric and adult subtypes based on age of presentation. Also it may be classified by disease grading.
Pathophysiology
Rectal prolapse starts from rectal intussusception, followed by external mucosal prolapse, and eventually a full protrusion of all layers of the rectum. Rectal prolapse is associated with several coexisting anatomic abnormalities including diastasis of the levator ani, abnormally deep cul-de-sac and redundant sigmoid colon.
Causes
Common causes of rectal prolapse include rectal denervation, perineal nerve injury, kinking of the redundant loop of sigmoid colon, loss of rectal compliance and altered colonic motility.
Differentiating Rectal prolapse overview from Other Diseases
Recatal prolapse must be differentiated from other diseases that cause anal discomfort such as hemorrhoids, anal fissure and perianal abscess, anal cancer and condylomata acuminata.
Epidemiology and Demographics
The prevalence of rectal prolapse is relatively low. It occurs more frequently in the elderly and women.
Risk Factors
Common risk factors in the development of rectal prolapse include female gender, obstetric history, hormonal status and long term increased intra-abdominal pressure.
Natural History, Complications, and Prognosis
Natural History
Complications
Prognosis
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms
Most common symptoms of rectal prolapse include pain, fullness or a lump inside rectum, fecal incontinence, constipation and bloody and/or mucous rectal discharge.
Physical Examination
Patients with rectal prolapse usually have rectal mass, skin excoriation or irritation of anus in physical examination.
Laboratory Findings
There are no diagnostic lab findings associated with rectal prolapse.
Imaging Findings
- Based on the radiological characteristics, rectal prolapse may be graded as internal rectal prolapse (recto-rectal intussusception and recto-anal intussusception) or external rectal prolapse (exteriorized rectal prolapse).
- Dynamic pelvic MRI can evaluate pelvic floor anatomy, dynamic motion and rectal evacuation.
- Demonstration of anal sphincter defect by 3D-endoanal ultrasonography is helpful for sphincter reconstruction.
Other Diagnostic Studies
In rectal prolapse, fluoroscopic defecography, MRI defecography, or balloon expulsion testing may be helpful for diagnosis. Pre-operatively, all patients should undergo anoscopy and colonoscpy.
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Rectal prolapse cannot be corrected nonoperatively, although some of the symptoms associated with this condition can be reduced medically. Nonoperative treatments of rectal prolapse such as medications reducing edema, correction of constipation, exercises straining the perineum are helpful.
Surgery
Rectal prolapse surgery has two different approaches: Abdominal surgery (lower recurrence rate and better functional outcomes) or perineal surgery (in elderly patients, significant comorbidities, high risk patients for general anesthesia, previous pelvic surgery or radiation).
Prevention
Primary prevention: Constipation is one of the most common cause of rectal prolapse. Sufficient fiber intake and pharmacological treatment of constipation (laxatives) can prevent developing rectal prolapse
Secondary prevention: Ultimate goal of treatment is to prevent progression of prolapse to incarceration or strangulation and to restore defecation function.