Will rectal prolapse cause the stool to become thinner?

Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
Updated on September 28, 2024
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Patients with rectal prolapse may experience a narrowing of their stool, which is primarily due to the relaxation of the rectal mucosa associated with rectal prolapse. The relaxed mucosa accumulates at the anus, blocking the passage of feces and thus altering the shape of the stool as it is expelled, generally resulting in thinner or flattened stools. Therefore, if it is definitively diagnosed that the change in stool shape is due to rectal prolapse, surgical treatment is recommended. The surgery involves excising or suturing the excessively relaxed rectal mucosa to allow for a smoother passage of stool and to prevent alterations in stool shape. Additionally, it is important for patients to maintain good lifestyle and bowel habits post-surgery, spend minimal time defecating, and avoid prolonged squatting or straining actions.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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What is the pathogenic mechanism of rectal prolapse?

The pathogenic mechanism of rectal prolapse primarily refers to the relaxation and sagging of the rectal mucosa down to the anal area, forming an internal rectal mucosa prolapse. Excessive relaxation of the rectal mucosa can protrude externally through the anus in a cylindrical or conical shape, commonly known as external rectal mucosa prolapse or rectal prolapse. The causes are mainly due to congenital deficiency of kidney energy in patients or excessive relaxation of the rectal mucosa due to multiple childbirths. Some patients with long-term constipation may also experience rectal mucosal relaxation due to excessive straining during bowel movements. Additionally, elderly and frail patients may experience sagging of the rectal mucosa as they age.

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Written by Xu Jun Hui
General Surgery
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The difference between rectal prolapse and rectal prolapse.

Rectal prolapse, also known as rectal prolapse, is characterized by partial prolapse of the rectal mucosa in the early stages and full-length prolapse of the rectum in the later stages. Early rectal prolapse is generally accompanied by a feeling of incomplete bowel movements, urgency followed by a feeling of incomplete relief, and perianal contact, with secretions leading to perianal eczema, itching, and infection in the later stages. If the prolapse cannot be reduced, entrapment can occur, causing pain. The initial treatment for rectal prolapse is to ensure smooth bowel movements and reduce factors that increase abdominal pressure to avoid causing the rectal mucosa to protrude outward. Severe rectal prolapse may require surgical treatment.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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Can rectal prolapse cause rectal bleeding?

If it is a recurrent case of rectal prolapse, as the prolapsed mucosa appears at the anus and rubs against it repeatedly when the patient walks or moves, it can lead to mucosal rupture and bleeding. Therefore, in severe cases of rectal prolapse or when a complete prolapse occurs, there might be bleeding during defecation. The diagnosis of rectal prolapse requires an examination with an anoscope and defecography to make a definitive diagnosis. For mild rectal prolapse, one can treat it with oral medications that supplement and boost the body's vital energy, and this can be supplemented with herbal enemas. For severe cases of internal mucosal rectal prolapse or complete mucosal prolapse, it is advisable to undergo surgical removal of the excess mucosa through excision or suturing. This surgery can alleviate symptoms of discomfort and prevent other complications.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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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.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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Will rectal prolapse cause the stool to become thinner?

Patients with rectal prolapse may experience a narrowing of their stool, which is primarily due to the relaxation of the rectal mucosa associated with rectal prolapse. The relaxed mucosa accumulates at the anus, blocking the passage of feces and thus altering the shape of the stool as it is expelled, generally resulting in thinner or flattened stools. Therefore, if it is definitively diagnosed that the change in stool shape is due to rectal prolapse, surgical treatment is recommended. The surgery involves excising or suturing the excessively relaxed rectal mucosa to allow for a smoother passage of stool and to prevent alterations in stool shape. Additionally, it is important for patients to maintain good lifestyle and bowel habits post-surgery, spend minimal time defecating, and avoid prolonged squatting or straining actions.