Rectal prolapse is a full-thickness protuberance of the rectum beyond the anal sphincter. The disorder can befall at any age, but prolapse is most often seen in older patients, and almost 90% of adult patients are females. Prolapse is triggered by an internal rectal intussusception that, as it becomes more severe, protrudes outwardly. Uncorrected prolapse often results in fecal incontinence by mechanically stretching the sphincter complex and causing a stretch injury to the pudendal nerves.
Rectal prolapse in elderly patients can cause considerable discomposure causing bleeding, itching, wet anus and tenesm. The chief clinical manifestation of rectal prolapse is the protuberant rectal mass. Most commonly the protrusion befalls with bowel movements, but with time it might occur with coughing or sneezing, and ultimately it can occur spontaneously. Some patients present with complaints of fecal incontinence, and many also grumble of constipation, which might be caused by failed attempts to evacuate the intussuscepting rectum. The obtruded rectum might cause minor bleeding and mucus discharge. Occasional patients present with a caged or strangulated prolapse. The diagnosis of rectal prolapse is confirmed on physical inspection. Full-thickness prolapse, which is categorized by concentric mucosal folds, must be distinguished from circumferential mucosal prolapse, which is categorized by radial folds. The prolapse is often best validated by having the patient strain on a commode. If an elderly patient is suffering from this ailment, he or she should opt for herbal rectal prolapse treatment in elderly patients.
