Rectal prolapse repair

Definition:

Surgery to repair a rectal prolapse, the protrusion of the rectum through the anus.

Description:

Rectal prolapse may be partial, involving only the mucosa or complete, involving the entire wall of the rectum. Children with myelomeningocele and bladder exstrophy as well as children with cystic fibrosis are particularly at risk. Rarely it can be caused by acute diarrhea or straining while passing constipated stool.

General anesthesia is used. The surgeon makes an incision near the base of the spinal column (coccyx), and identifies the pelvic floor (perineal) support structures. The lower rectum is sutured to the puborectalis muscle for support, while the upper part of the rectum is pulled up and sutured to the sacrum.

Indications:

Most cases of prolapse do not require surgical correction. Infant prolapse often disappears without intervention.

Rectal prolapse repair is advised for a continued rectal prolapse that does not clear up or is unresponsive to treatment of an underlying condition.