Rectal prolapse is an uncommon condition akin to prolpase of utreus seen in some women after multiple childbirths. It is an abnormal protrusion of rectum outside of anus and it is quite grotesque for the patient himself and others to look at. The protrusion can range from a few centimeters to a foot or more.
This condition is often seen in children who are malnourished and suffering from chronic diarrhoea. and this protrusion can be pushed back into the pelvic cavity most of the times. Rectal prolapse in children is usually self limiting and doesnt require any treatment.
This condition is also seen in individuals with microcephaly(small undeveloped brain) and mental retardation.
Prolapse of rectum is also seen in some healthy adults who generally come to the clinic with a long history. They are usually in the habit of pushing the prolapse back into the rectum on their own. Constipation is a very common symptom and at times perienal pain and discomfort forces them to see a specialist. Ulceration and bleeding is not uncommon.

Medical management doesnt help. Most patients will require surgical treatment in the form of laparoscopic or open rectopexy wherein a synthetic wire mesh is used to anchor the rectum in the pelvis to prevent the rectum to slide down. results are usually good and a transient constipation may persist for a while after the surgery. Prolapsed rectum is a condition which should not be ignored and should be shown to a specialist ASAP.

Dr.Patta Radhakrishna MS MCh
Sr. Consultant Surgical Gastroenterologist &
laparoscopic surgeon
Apollo Hospitals(main), Chennai.