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What is rectal prolapse?

Rectal prolapse occurs when the rectum (the last part of the large intestine) comes through the anal opening. This colorectal condition is more common among older women and young children.

Three types of rectal prolapse exist, and these types help Houston Colon’s rectal prolapse doctors determine how to treat the condition:

  • Full-thickness (complete) prolapse is when the entire wall of the rectum comes through the anus. It appears as a doughnut shape. This type is the most severe and typically requires minimally invasive rectal prolapse surgery at Houston Colon in TX.
  • Partial (mucosal) prolapse is when only the rectal lining (mucosa) protrudes from the anus. This often occurs during straining and may be mistaken for hemorrhoids.
  • Internal prolapse (intussusception) is when the rectal wall slides down but doesn’t protrude outward.

Patients dealing with rectal prolapse may notice different symptoms, including:

  • Pain in the anal area

  • Seeing or feeling tissue protrude from the anus

  • Mucus discharge from the anus

  • Fecal incontinence

  • Feeling like bowel movements are incomplete

Causes and risk factors

Rectal prolapse can occur due to various conditions. Some of the most common causes of rectal prolapse include the following:

  • Severe and chronic straining during bowel movements or workouts

  • Strain from childbirth

  • Injury to or weakening of the muscles and ligaments in the rectum and anus

  • Damage to the nerves that control the contractions of the rectum and anus muscles

  • Other conditions, including diabetes, cystic fibrosis, or an infection in the intestines

Without rectal prolapse treatment from Houston Colon, this condition tends to worsen over time. Getting surgery to repair the weakened and damaged muscles is essential.

Treatment and surgical repair

In the case of rectal prolapse, measures such as dietary changes and targeted exercises may not be enough to resolve the condition. As a result, surgery is often the most effective and lasting treatment option, particularly for complete rectal prolapse.

Our rectal prolapse specialists in Houston, TX, received advanced fellowship training to perform minimally invasive and robotic surgery. These techniques can offer lasting relief from rectal prolapse. 

Rectopexy at Houston Colon is a minimally invasive robotic-assisted surgical procedure. It treats rectal prolapse by returning the rectum to the proper position in the pelvis.

Using this procedure, our surgeons achieve greater visualization of the pelvis and enhanced surgical precision.

This is a very successful procedure. The Cleveland Clinic explains that less than 5% of people who have an abdominal rectopexy will have another prolapse. 
Our prolapse repair surgeons in Houston, TX, often recommend perineal procedures for high-risk patients. These include elderly or frail individuals. Two of these procedures include:
  • The Altemeier procedure
  • The Delorme procedure
Both methods involve removing the prolapsed tissues through the anus rather than through the abdomen. This avoids the potential for complications that may come with procedures using abdominal incisions. 

Frequently asked questions

No. In fact, rectal prolapse generally worsens over time without treatment.
Rectopexy for rectal prolapse is very successful. According to the Cleveland Clinic, less than 5% of people who have an abdominal rectopexy will have another prolapse.
It typically takes a few weeks to a few months to return to normal after rectal prolapse surgery. During recovery, our physician will recommend taking steps to avoid constipation.

Schedule a consultation

Houston Colon offers evidence-based procedures for rectal prolapse surgery in Houston, TX. Our board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeons perform all procedures. 

Call (713) 832-8888 or request an appointment online by contacting us. 

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