What is Rectal Prolapse?
Rectal prolapse is a condition that is similar to hemorrhoids but not exactly the same & needs surgical therapy for sure.It is characterized by a reddish mass that protrudes out of the anus due to rectal muscle weakness, caused by various factors such as intestinal infections, severe constipation that strains the muscles, pregnancy, injury to the spinal cord & pelvic floor, etc.
Rectal prolapse in adults can be treated commonly through a procedure called rectopexy that involves making incisions through the abdomen & can be performed through open or laparoscopic techniques, where the rectum is repositioned by pulling it into the pelvis. An alternative approach to rectopexy is the rectal approach, which involves two procedures such as the altemeier (pulling the rectum & a portion of the sigmoid colon) and the delorme procedure (for small or mucosal rectal prolapses). Sometimes laser therapy is used to treat rectal prolapse, which offers several advantages over other procedures.
| Procedure Name | Rectal Prolapse |
|---|---|
| Type of Surgery | Open, laparoscopic, & robotic or laser therapy |
| Type of Anesthesia | General/epidural anesthesia |
| Procedure Duration | Nearly 60 min |
| Recovery Duration | Few weeks to months |
Rectal Prolapse: Pre-Op & Post-Op Care
Preparation for Rectal Prolapse Surgery
Before the rectal prolapse procedure, the individual is advised to take a shower with antibacterial soap, which helps in reducing the risk of any infections. Additionally, a mechanical bowel preparation is a must that involves cleaning of the bowel using enemas or laxatives to run the surgery smoothly. The patient will be asked to stop using certain medications that might affect the procedure.
During the procedure
Once in the procedure room, you will be administered an epidural or general anesthesia, depending on the type of procedure. The surgeon makes incisions either in the abdomen or rectal region to access the prolapsed part & to pull it back to its normal position by removing a portion of the surrounding area along with the prolapsed part & reattaching the remaining parts of the bowel together, stitching them with sutures, or placing a mesh sling that helps in adhering the rectum into the posterior wall of the pelvis.
Rectal Prolapse Surgery Recovery
Depending upon the surgery performed, whether it’s an abdominal or rectal procedure, the duration of the hospital stay ranges from a few days to a week. During this hospital stay, the doctors mostly focus on restoring your bowel functioning. The individual can return to their normal activities within a few weeks; however, complete healing takes months.
Post-Procedure Care:
- Keep the incision clean, take prescribed medication, and adhere to activity restrictions.
- Consume foods high in fiber and drink lots of water to avoid constipation.
- Attend follow-up appointments for monitoring and guidance.
Benefits of Rectal Prolapse at Yashoda Hospitals
- Relief from pain & discomfort
- Improved bowel functioning
- Low risk of complications
- Improved quality of life.
- Minimally invasive.
- Minimal possibility of recurrence.
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