Rectal Prolapse Surgery | Dr. Ashok Kumar, Lucknow

Rectal Prolapse Repair Surgery

Expert Treatment by Dr. Ashok Kumar, FRCS, FACS

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What is Rectal Prolapse?

Rectal prolapse is herniation of the rectal mucosa or full-thickness rectum through the anus. Causes straining, incomplete evacuation, and fecal incontinence. More common in elderly patients and those with chronic constipation. Surgical correction provides excellent outcomes.

Symptoms & Diagnosis

  • Visible protrusion during defecation
  • Rectal bleeding and mucus discharge
  • Straining and tenesmus
  • Fecal incontinence
  • Sensation of incomplete evacuation

Diagnosis: Clinical examination, defecography, colonoscopy to rule out malignancy.

Surgical Treatment

Abdominal Approach (Rectopexy)

Gold standard. Rectum mobilized and fixed to presacral fascia. Laparoscopic approach minimizes trauma with faster recovery.

Perineal Approach

For high-risk patients. Perirectal resection procedures like Delorme's or STARR procedure.

Recovery & Outcomes

Hospital stay 2-4 days (laparoscopic). Return to normal activities 4-6 weeks. Recurrence rates 5-10%. Most patients achieve excellent continence and symptom relief.

Related Procedures

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Phone: 05226664444

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Dr. Ashok Kumar

Surgical Gastroenterologist

  • MCh - SGPGI
  • FRCS
  • FACS
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What happens in rectal prolapse

Rectal prolapse occurs when the rectum, the last part of the large bowel, loses its normal support and slides down through the anus. In the early stages it may come out only while passing stool and go back on its own. Over time it can stay outside and need to be pushed back by hand.

It is most common in older women, but it can affect men and women of any age, including young adults with long-standing constipation.

Causes and risk factors

  • Long-term constipation and straining
  • Weak pelvic floor muscles, for example after childbirth or with ageing
  • Chronic cough or heavy lifting that raises abdominal pressure
  • Previous pelvic or anal surgery
  • Some neurological conditions affecting the nerves of the pelvis

Symptoms

  • A reddish lump coming out of the anus during bowel movements, coughing or standing
  • Mucus or blood stains in the underwear
  • Leakage of stool or wind (faecal incontinence)
  • Constipation or a feeling of incomplete emptying
  • Discomfort when sitting or walking

Rectal prolapse is sometimes confused with large piles. A careful examination, sometimes while you strain on a commode, helps the surgeon tell them apart.

Tests that may be advised

Colonoscopy may be done to check the rest of the bowel. Defecography (a scan taken while passing stool) shows how the rectum and pelvic floor move, and anorectal manometry measures the strength of the sphincter muscles. These tests help plan the right operation.

Treatment

Diet changes, stool softeners and pelvic floor exercises can ease symptoms in early or partial prolapse, but a full-thickness prolapse usually needs surgery to correct it.

  • Abdominal operations, often done laparoscopically: the rectum is lifted back into place and fixed (rectopexy), sometimes using a mesh (ventral mesh rectopexy). These generally have lower recurrence rates.
  • Perineal operations done from below, such as the Delorme procedure or Altemeier perineal rectosigmoidectomy, which may suit older or less fit patients.

Your surgeon will discuss which approach is best based on your age, general health, bowel function and whether you have other pelvic floor problems.

Recovery

After laparoscopic surgery most people stay in hospital for a few days and return to light activity within two to four weeks. Avoiding constipation and heavy lifting during recovery helps protect the repair.

Frequently asked questions

Is rectal prolapse dangerous?

It is usually not life-threatening, but it can affect quality of life and bowel control. Rarely, a prolapse that cannot be pushed back becomes trapped and needs urgent treatment.

Can prolapse be treated without surgery?

Mild or partial prolapse can improve with stool softeners and pelvic floor exercises. A full prolapse generally needs an operation for a lasting result.

Will my bowel control improve after surgery?

Many patients notice better control once the prolapse is fixed, although improvement can take several months and varies from person to person.

Related pages

Book a consultation: call 0522-666-4444 or use the request call back form on this page. In an emergency, come straight to the 24/7 emergency department at Charak Hospital, Hardoi Road, Dubagga, Lucknow.