What are the complications of rectal prolapse

If rectal prolapse is not effectively treated and resolved, other complications may occur, such as bleeding, anal incontinence, etc., which will affect the patient's life and work, so attention should be paid to treatment.

1. Bleeding

Occasionally, severe bleeding may occur due to a solitary rectal ulcer.

2. Anal incontinence

16% to 20% of cases are incontinent to gas, and 17% to 24% are completely incontinent. Causes of incontinence caused by rectal prolapse include:

① Rectal prolapse produces substantial rectal dilatation

It causes continuous reflex inhibition and relaxation of the internal anal sphincter, especially in the elderly because the puborectalis muscle is weak and the valve does not play a major role. Once the internal sphincter dysfunction occurs, incontinence will occur.

② Childbirth or long-term straining during bowel movements causes the perineum to drop abnormally

The stretch injury causes the pudendal nerve to be stretched, resulting in denervation and weakening of the striated muscles of the pelvic floor. Anorectal manometry helps to understand the function of the anal sphincter, etc. Zhang Lianyang et al. performed anal manometry on patients with internal rectal prolapse, and the results showed that there was a decrease in anal canal pressure. Rectal mucosal prolapse resulted in a decrease in anal canal resting pressure, while full-thickness rectal intussusception resulted in a decrease in anal canal resting pressure and cough pressure.