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Rectal prolapse
How is rectal prolapse graded?
Rectal prolapse is generally graded into three degrees: first degree rectal prolapse, second degree rectal prolapse, and third degree rectal prolapse. First degree rectal prolapse is a relatively minor condition where the rectal mucosa protrudes but can retract back on its own. Second degree rectal prolapse is a moderate condition where the protruding mucosa extends approximately 5-10 centimeters, generally forming a conical shape, and requires the patient to manually reposition it. Third degree rectal prolapse indicates a severe condition, with the prolapsed mucosa typically extending beyond 10 centimeters. It may protrude with each incident and could also occur when the patient strains the abdomen or squats. The treatment of second and third degree rectal prolapse generally requires surgical intervention.
What are the symptoms of rectal prolapse?
Rectal prolapse is a common clinical disease in proctology, primarily affecting children, postpartum women, and the elderly. Symptoms of rectal prolapse include varying degrees of bloating and a feeling of falling at the anus. Sometimes, due to the accumulation of mucosa at the anal opening, normal defecation is impeded, leading to constipation and difficulty in bowel movement. To examine and diagnose rectal prolapse, an anoscopy is necessary. Under anoscopy, the relaxed mucosa that accumulates can be seen at the mirror opening. Treatment for rectal prolapse in children may involve the use of traditional Chinese medicine retention enemas, which can gradually alleviate the prolapse as the body's condition improves. For postpartum women or the elderly, treatment may also involve traditional Chinese medicine retention enemas in combination with surgical excision. The primary surgical procedure used is a Hemorrhoidal mucosal circular stapling operation.
How to check for rectal prolapse?
Rectal prolapse is generally divided into internal rectal mucosal prolapse and external prolapse, also known as rectal procidentia. If it is an internal prolapse, an anoscopy combined with defecography is required to examine the degree of laxity of the local rectal mucosa. If it is an external prolapse or rectal procidentia, the patient generally presents with a prolapsed swelling when squatting, and this can be further evaluated with a digital rectal examination to assess the local tightness of the anus. If rectal prolapse occurs, surgical treatment is recommended as it tends to be quite effective. In cases of pediatric prolapse or mild prolapse, traditional Chinese medicine enemas may be used to alleviate local symptoms.
Clinical manifestations of rectal prolapse
The clinical manifestations of rectal prolapse mainly involve the contents within the anal canal, especially the prolapse of the rectal mucosa outside the anus, which is most common. Severe cases of rectal prolapse may lead to a cylindrical or conical prolapse. The common type of rectal prolapse mainly refers to rectal prolapse, but there can also be internal prolapse of the rectal mucosa. Internal prolapse of the rectal mucosa is characterized by excessive relaxation and accumulation of the rectal mucosa at the anus, causing symptoms such as a sense of blockage, downward pressure, and obstruction during bowel movements. This can be definitively diagnosed through an anal examination and defecography. Regardless of whether it is internal prolapse of the rectal mucosa or rectal prolapse, when the disease progresses to a severe degree affecting the patient's normal life, surgical treatment is recommended.
Which department to consult for rectal prolapse?
Rectal prolapse is generally divided into internal mucosal prolapse and external prolapse. External mucosal prolapse is commonly known as rectal prolapse, which falls under the category of proctological diseases. Therefore, patients who suspect they have rectal prolapse should promptly visit a proctology department for relevant examinations and treatment. The examination and diagnosis of rectal prolapse mainly involve digital rectal examination, anoscopy, and defecography to confirm the diagnosis. Especially for internal mucosal prolapse, which cannot be seen with the naked eye, defecography is necessary for differentiation. In cases of rectal prolapse, one can generally see a ring-like protrusion outside the anus, and in severe cases, there may be conical or cylindrical prolapse. Regardless of whether it is internal mucosal prolapse or rectal prolapse, surgical treatment is necessary.
Can rectal prolapse heal itself?
Rectal mucosal prolapse primarily refers to a condition where the rectal mucosa becomes excessively relaxed, accumulates near the anus, and presents symptoms such as a distinct feeling of fullness and downward pressure at the anal area. Sometimes, the prolapsed mucosa may congest the anal opening, causing difficulty in defecation or even constipation. Rectal mucosal prolapse cannot heal completely on its own. Treatment options include medication to alleviate symptoms or surgery to remove the prolapsed mucosa. Patients with rectal mucosal prolapse should avoid straining excessively during bowel movements. If constipation occurs, patients should not strain too hard and may use enemas to assist with bowel movements.
Can you eat pork with rectal prolapse?
Patients with rectal prolapse can eat pork. Rectal prolapse is common in patients who have had chronic constipation or are physically weak. Therefore, to avoid constipation and excessive straining during bowel movements, it is recommended that patients with rectal prolapse maintain a diet that is light and bland. They should avoid spicy foods such as chili peppers and seafood, as well as foods that are hard in texture, to prevent stools from becoming too dry and necessitating excessive straining, which can worsen the prolapse or even lead to complete rectal prolapse. To prevent the recurrence of constipation or excessive straining during bowel movements, it is advisable to consume more liquid foods, as well as light vegetables and fruits. Moreover, if the condition frequently recurs or clearly leads to complete rectal prolapse, it is recommended that patients undergo surgical treatment as soon as possible.
Can people with rectal prolapse eat beef?
Patients with rectal prolapse can eat beef, but it is not recommended to consume it in excess, as eating too much beef may lead to dry stools or a high fiber content in the feces, making it difficult to expel and potentially worsening the severity of the rectal prolapse. The diet for patients with rectal prolapse should mainly be light, including liquid or easily digestible foods, and avoid spicy foods like chili peppers and seafood or foods with a hard texture. In addition to dietary considerations, patients with rectal prolapse also need treatment to relieve symptoms or cure the condition. Options include traditional Chinese medicine enemas that preserve the function or oral medications that supplement and boost vital energy, as well as surgery to remove the prolapsed rectal mucosa.
Can you eat black fish with rectal prolapse?
Patients with rectal prolapse are advised not to consume seafood, lamb, and other stimulating foods for long periods or in excessive amounts. Overconsumption of lamb, seafood, or spicy and stimulating foods can easily lead to dry stools. When stools are dry, patients will involuntarily strain during bowel movements, which can worsen the rectal prolapse. In addition to needing a light and liquid diet, patients with rectal prolapse require prompt treatment to prevent the condition from worsening and delaying the disease. The primary treatment method is surgical removal combined with local sclerosing agent injection therapy. After surgery, it is important for patients to avoid squatting or excessive physical exercise for up to six months to prevent episodes of rectal prolapse.
The difference between rectal prolapse and external hemorrhoids.
Rectal prolapse is the protrusion of the rectal mucosa, which manifests as an eversion of the mucosa presenting as pink-colored, cylindrical protrusions. These can usually be manually repositioned back into the anus, appearing smooth once repositioned. In contrast, external hemorrhoids are mostly caused by varicosities and are the same color as the skin. They cannot be completely repositioned manually, which distinguishes them from rectal prolapse.