Types

The different types of prolapse are as-Internal prolapse (internal intussusception). A full thickness or a partial rectal wall is affected but the prolapsed tissue does not pass out of the anus.

• External Prolapse-If they protrude from the anus and are visible externally. Full thickness, circumferential, true intussusception of the rectal wall which protrudes from the anus and is visible externally.
• Full-thickness rectal prolapse-A full thickness of the rectal wall protrudes through the anus.
• Mucosal prolapse- Protrusion of only the rectal mucosa (not the entire wall) from the anus.
• Circumferential- Where the whole circumference of the rectal wall prolapse.
• Segmental- Where only parts of the circumference of the rectal wall prolapse.

Grades of Prolapse

• Grade I: Non-relaxation of the sphincter mechanism
• Grade II:Mild intussusception
• Grade III:Moderate intussusception
• Grade IV:Severe intussusception
• Grade V: Rectal prolapsed

Causes

• Pelvic floor dysfunction
• Parasitic infections such as Amoebiasis, schistosomiasis
• Pregnancy
• Cystic fibrosis
• Pertussis (whooping cough)
• Neurologic disorders - Previous lower back or pelvic trauma/lumbar disk disease, cauda equina syndrome, spinal tumors, multiple sclerosis
• Disordered defecation (stool withholding)
• Previous surgery
• Diarrhea
• Benign prostatic hypertrophy
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Symptoms of Rectal Prolapse

• Pelvic floor dysfunction
• Parasitic infections such as Amoebiasis, schistosomiasis
• Pregnancy
• Cystic fibrosis
• Pertussis (whooping cough)
• Neurologic disorders - Previous lower back or pelvic trauma/lumbar disk disease, cauda equina syndrome, spinal tumors, multiple sclerosis
• Disordered defecation (stool withholding)
• Previous surgery
• Diarrhea
• Benign prostatic hypertrophy
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Treatment

• Laparoscopic procedures
• Perineal procedures
• Perineal rectosigmoidectomy