How to check for rectal prolapse?

Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
Updated on September 19, 2024
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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.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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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.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
59sec home-news-image

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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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.

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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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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.