Rectal Prolapse

Question 1

What is rectal prolapse?

Answer 1

Rectal prolapse is when the rectum drops down towards or outside the anus. 3 types: Full thickness, Mucosal and internal

Question 2

What are the signs and symptoms of rectal prolapse?

Answer 2

> External bulge
> Red mass outside anal opening
> Pain
> Bleeding
> leaking blood, mucus or faeces from anus

Question 3

What are the risk factors of rectal prolapse?

Answer 3

> Pregnancy
> Constipation
> Diarrhoea
> Lots of coughing
> MS/ Spinal tumours/ Lumbar disc disease/ lower back injury

Question 4

What is the epidemiology of rectal prolapse?

Answer 4

The annual incidence of rectal prolapse is 2.5 per 100 000 population.

Question 5

What investigations would you do for rectal prolapse?

Answer 5

> DRE
Proctography
Colonoscopy
Endoanal US