The difference between rectal prolapse and rectal prolapse

Written by Deng Heng
Colorectal Surgery
Updated on January 13, 2025
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The term "rectal prolapse" used in folk vernacular covers a wide range, such as incarcerated hemorrhoids, inflammatory external hemorrhoids, thrombosed external hemorrhoids, rectal polyps, and rectal prolapse itself are all referred to as rectal prolapse. Of course, this also includes cases where, due to a lack of medical knowledge, any tumors or flesh-like growth protruding from inside to outside the anus are collectively termed as rectal prolapse. It is evident that the folk term “rectal prolapse” includes conditions like prolapsed rectum, prolapsed internal hemorrhoids, or prolapsed polyps, while the modern medical definition of rectal prolapse specifically refers to the protrusion of the rectum and its mucous membrane; the two should not be confused.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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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.

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Colorectal Surgery
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Rectal prolapse symptoms

The symptoms of rectal prolapse mainly refer to local mucosal relaxation in the anal canal, which leads to the prolapse of the internal mucosa outside the anus, or excessive relaxation of the mucosa that accumulates at the anus, forming an internal mucosal prolapse of the rectum. Rectal prolapse may also manifest as local bloating, pain, and a feeling of falling in the patient. Due to repeated prolapses, it may also cause difficulties in defecation due to mucosal accumulation at the anus, or form outlet obstructive constipation. Therefore, whether it is internal mucosal prolapse of the rectum or prolapse that leads to rectal prolapse, it is advisable for patients to undergo surgical treatment as soon as possible to avoid aggravating the condition and delaying treatment.

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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.

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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.

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Rectal prolapse treatment

Rectal prolapse is primarily categorized into mild rectal prolapse as well as moderate and severe rectal prolapse. Mild rectal prolapse generally occurs in the early stages of the illness or in children and can be treated conservatively. Conservative treatment mainly involves Chinese herbal retention enemas. On the other hand, moderate and severe rectal prolapse can result in the protrusion of the local mucosa outside the anus, presenting as cylindrical or cone-shaped prolapses. Treating moderate to severe hemorrhoidal prolapse requires surgical intervention. The main surgical methods include hemorrhoidal mucosectomy with stapling and local submucosal sclerosant injections. It is also important to caution postoperative patients against squatting for long periods or straining during constipation, as these actions can exacerbate symptoms of submucosal prolapse.