Rectal Prolapse (cont.)

Surgery

The goal of all of the surgical techniques involved in correcting a prolapsed rectum is to attach or secure the rectum to a backside (or posterior) part of the inner pelvis. Surgery is performed through either the abdomen or the perineum.

• Surgery through the abdomen 
  
  
  • Typically performed in younger or healthier people
    
    
  • Type of abdominal surgery usually determined by severity of associated constipation
    
    
  • Associated with higher morbidity rate than perineal approach but lower recurrence rate of prolapse
    
    
  • Performed under general anesthesia
    
    
  • Usually involves a hospital stay of 3-7 days
  
  
• Perineal approach
  
  
  • Typically performed in elderly people or people in poor health
    
    
  • Approach for people who cannot tolerate general anesthesia
    
    
  • Associated with higher recurrence rate than abdominal approach
    
    
  • Usually involves short hospital stay
    
    

For people too weak for surgery, a doctor can prevent a prolapse by inserting a wire or plastic loop to hold the sphincter closed.

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