rectal prolapse

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:

Related pages:

pathogenesis

aetiology

clinical features

investigations

diagnosis

management

complications