Rectal Prolapse Surgery
Rectal Prolapse Surgery is typically required to repair rectal prolapse and treat symptoms associated with it such as fecal incontinence and obstructed bowel movements.
Some facts about Rectal Prolapse Surgery:
- Rectal prolapse can be partial, full or internal and occurs when the lower rectum protrudes out of the anus.
- It is commonly associated with a history of chronic constipation and straining.
- When the entire rectum sticks out of your anus it is called as external prolapse.
- When part of the rectal lining pokes out of your anus it is called as mucosal prolapse.
- When the rectum has started to drop but is not yet sticking out of your anus it is called as internal prolapse.
Preparation for Rectal Prolapse Surgery:
- You need to stop taking medications that may thin your blood, such as ibuprofen (Advil) or aspirin a few weeks before your surgery.
- You should stop smoking temporarily or permanently if you’re ready to quit as smoking can make it harder for your body to heal after surgery.
- You need to wait for any existing flu, fever, or cold to break.
- Most of your diet should be replaced with liquids and laxatives should be taken to empty your bowels.
- You may also need to only drink water or other clear liquids, such as broth or juice in the 24 hours before your surgery.
- Do not eat or drink anything for up to 12 before the surgery.
- Any medications that your surgeon gives you should be taken right before surgery.
- You should staying hydrated, eating enough fiber and use a stool softener to prevent constipation
- Rectal prolapse can be caused by nerve damage, weakened anal sphincter, chronic constipation.
- Some conditions like chronic constipation, chronic diarrhea, cystic fibrosis, dementia, spinal cord problems, stroke and hysterectomy can be a cause of rectal prolapse.
Procedure for Rectal Prolapse Surgery:
- Softening the stool can help you strain less during bowel movements and you may recover without surgery before it gets worse if the prolapse is mild.
- However, the only way to definitively treat rectal prolapse and relieve symptoms is surgery.
- The surgery can be done through the abdomen or through the area around the anus.
- Abdominal rectopexy is a type of surgery that involves making an incision in the abdominal wall and pulling the rectum back into place.
- This procedure can also be performed laparoscopically by using smaller incisions with a special camera and tools.
- The rectal prolapse can be repaired by two surgical procedures through the perineum, or the area between the anus and genitals including Altemeier procedure and Delorme procedure.
- The part of the rectum that is sticking out will be removed and the two ends will be reattached back together in Altemeier procedure.
- Delorme procedure is ideal for those with shorter prolapses.
- The outer lining of the rectum will be removed and then the layer of muscle will be folded and stitched.
- People who have severe constipation and are not considered candidates for a laparoscopic procedure through the stomach are recommended for these surgeries.
- You may need to stay in the hospital to recover and regain bowel function after rectal prolapse surgery.
- The recovery time can vary depending on the specific type of surgery you had.
- Yu will slowly transition from drinking clear liquids back to eating solid foods during your hospital stay.
