Rectal prolapse
Rectal prolapse (rectal prolapse) is a condition characterized by stretching and falling out of the anus of the lower part of the rectum, which, as a result of certain conditions, becomes mobile. This pathological condition is often combined with weakness of the anal sphincter, which leads to the inability to retain mucus and feces. Pathology is more often fixed in women, although there are cases of its development in men as well.
CAUSES LEADING TO RECTAL PROLAPSE
Among the reasons leading to the development of such a condition, several factors are called. Sometimes prolapse is a consequence of late or severe childbirth, sometimes it is provoked by the habit of pushing hard during bowel movements. Doctors do not discount the genetic predisposition for the development of rectal prolapse.
Often hypo- and atony of the anal sphincter, stretching of the ligamentous apparatus supporting the rectum, is provoked by aging.
Often, rectal prolapse is part of the general dysfunction of the pelvic organs, accompanying urinary incontinence and uterine prolapse. Rectal prolapse may be a symptom of some neurological disorders or spinal cord injury. It is often impossible to single out a single cause of the development of this pathological condition, since they are combined.
RECTAL PROLAPSE AND HEMORRHOIDS: IS THERE A DIFFERENCE?
According to some symptoms, these two ailments are similar. Both in the first and in the second case, bleeding and loss of tissues from the anal canal may occur. The main difference is the factor of loss in hemorrhoids of hemorrhoids located in the immediate vicinity of the anus. In the case of rectal prolapse, the lower part of the rectum falls out.
SYMPTOMS OF RECTAL PROLAPSE
The symptoms of this condition are quite wide. Patients complain:
On the sensation of a foreign body in the area of the anus;
Incontinence of intestinal contents and mucus;
Bloody discharge from the anus;
Frequent and often false urge to empty the bladder;
False urge to empty the intestines;
Some soreness (pronounced soreness develops with an acute, sudden form of the disease);
Difficulty emptying the bowel (painful bowel movements);
Inability to set the intestine into the anal canal after defecation on their own;
Disorders of the colon function (constipation, leading to the constant use of laxative laxatives, enemas).
DIAGNOSIS OF RECTAL PROLAPSE
Diagnosis of the disease is based on a thorough study of the medical history, examination of the anorectal area. The doctor may suggest straining to determine the degree of rectal prolapse. In some cases, the dropout is not obvious. It is hidden (the so-called internal dropout). Then the diagnosis of the disease is difficult.
The degree of rectal prolapse can be determined using defecography, a special study consisting in the production of X-rays at the time of straining (imitation of the act of defecation). Analyzing the obtained images, the doctor must not only determine the scope and method of surgical treatment, but also determine the degree and severity of functional and anatomical disorders. With the help of anorectal manometry, it is possible to assess the functionality of the muscles lying around the intestine and the degree of their involvement in the act of defecation.
TREATMENT OF RECTAL PROLAPSE
Unfortunately, rectal prolapse, provoked by prolonged and frequent straining against the background of chronic constipation, cannot be radically solved only by the usual reduction of the lower part of the intestine into the anal canal. This procedure brings only temporary relief. Only surgical correction of rectal prolapse can correct the situation. Surgical intervention is performed by accesses through the abdominal wall, through the perineum and sometimes laparoscopically. The decision on the technique and method of intervention is made for each case of the disease individually and depends on the physical condition of the patient, on his age and the clinical picture of the disease. As a rule, the prognosis of surgical intervention is good. Most patients report significant improvement or complete elimination of this condition.
