Rectal Prolapse Research Paper

Complete rectal prolapse is a life-style altering disability that commonly affects older people. Rectal prolapse occurs when a mucosal or full-thickness layer of rectal tissue slides through the anal orifice. Full-thickness prolapse of the rectum causes significant discomfort because of the sensation of the prolapse itself, the mucus that it secretes, and because it tends to stretch the anal sphincters and cause incontinence. Surgical management is aimed at restoring physiology by correcting the prolapse and improving continence and constipation, whereas in patients with concurrent genital and rectal prolapse, an interdisciplinary surgical approach is required. Rectal prolapse frequently coexists with other pelvic floor disorders, …show more content…
Rectal prolapse should always be considered as a presenting sign of an underlying condition and not a discrete disease entity unto itself. Pediatric rectal prolapse is more common in tropical and underdeveloped countries, where diarrhea and parasitic infection play much greater roles. No racial predilection is noted. Incidence is evenly distributed between males and females in the pediatric population. In the pediatric population, rectal prolapse is most common in patients younger than 4 years. The highest incidence is in the first year of …show more content…
Anatomic considerations related to this early presentation include the vertical course of the rectum along the straight surface of the sacrum and coccyx, the relatively low position of the rectum in relation to other pelvic organs, the increased mobility of the sigmoid colon, the relative lack of support by the levator ani muscle, the loose attachment of the rectal mucosa to the underlying muscularis, and the absence of Houston valves in about 75% of infants. Although cystic fibrosis is not a likely diagnosis in patients who present with rectal prolapse, a sweat test is indicated in all patients who present without an underlying anatomic abnormality. Rectal prolapse occurs in 20% of patients with cystic fibrosis who are aged 6 months to 3 years. Most prolapses get spontaneously reduced. Failure to reduce may lead to venous stasis, edema, and possibly ulceration. Long-standing or frequent recurrent prolapse may lead to proctitis.
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