Postoperative Care for Rectal Prolapse Surgery

Written by Deng Heng

Colorectal Surgery

Updated on March 15, 2025

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Post-Rectal Prolapse Surgery Precautions:

1. Rest in bed, which helps improve the recovery rate. Due to gravity, many patients with rectal prolapse experience prolapse when standing or walking. Although the surgery fixes the prolapsed mucosa, the firmness of the fixation takes time to establish. Therefore, it is recommended to rest in bed with limited activity for one week after the surgery to solidify the therapeutic effects.

2. Take oral antibiotics for 7 to 10 days after surgery.

3. Abstain from food for the first two days after surgery, and consume semi-liquid or liquid foods in reduced quantities on the third day.

4. Refrain from defecating for 4 to 5 days after surgery.

5. Do not strain during the first bowel movement after surgery.

(Please use medications under the guidance of a professional physician)

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Written by Chen Tian Jing

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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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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 Chen Tian Jing

Colorectal Surgery

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Can you do yoga with rectal prolapse?

Patients with rectal prolapse can engage in moderate exercise, but it is not recommended to perform exercises that involve significant abdominal strength or squatting movements. This is because excessive abdominal pressure or overexertion can increase intra-abdominal pressure, compressing the mucosa and tissue around the anus, thereby worsening the prolapse. If squatting exercises are performed over a long period, it could further aggravate the degree of rectal mucosal prolapse. Hence, patients with rectal prolapse may opt for gentler exercises like yoga, ensuring that the movements and methods do not exacerbate the condition of the rectal mucosa. Patients with rectal prolapse should seek surgical treatment as soon as possible, where the prolapsed mucosa is completely excised for recovery.

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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.

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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.