prolapse(rectal)
Last reviewed 01/2018
Rectal prolapse is a condition where layers of the rectal wall protrude through the anal canal (beyond the anal verge).
- the condition has been described in Ebers Papyrus as early as 1500 bc.
- the rectal wall prolapse which does not protrude through the anus is known as internal rectal prolapse or rectal intussusception (1,2,3)
Rectal prolapse can be divided into:
- partial/mucosal - only the mucosa and submucosa protrude
- complete/full thickness/procidentia - full-thickness protrusion of all layers of rectum through the anal canal into the external environment (1,2)
Annual incidence of the condition is around 2.5 per 100,000 individuals.
- occurs in two main groups
- the elderly
- it is commonly seen among adults ages 50 to 89years
- an epidemiological study reported that 87% of patients were older than 50 years
- women are 6 times more likely to develop rectal prolapse after the age of 50 years
- men with rectal prolapse tend to be younger e.g - younger than 40 years
- infants and children
- occurs typically before the age of 3 years
- majority occurs during the first year of life
- females and males are affected equally
- prolapse is usually mucosal (1)
Reference:
- (1) American Academy of Family physicians (AAFP). FP Comprehensive 2016 - Board Preparation. Anorectal conditions. Rectal prolapse
- (2) O’Brien DP. Rectal Prolapse. Clinics in Colon and Rectal Surgery. 2007;20(2):125-132
- (3) Jones OM, Cunningham C, Lindsey I. The assessment and management of rectal prolapse, rectal intussusception, rectocoele, and enterocoele in adults. BMJ. 2011;342:c7099.