Rectal Prolapse

Treatment

In its early stages, rectal prolapse can be treated with stool softeners, suppositories and other medications. But most people need surgery to repair rectal prolapse.

At Mayo, colorectal surgeons work with other specialists as needed to treat any other pelvic organ prolapse you have. In most cases only one surgery is needed.

The type of surgery you have depends on the extent of the rectal prolapse. Mayo Clinic surgeons use these procedures for rectal prolapse:

• Perineal proctectomy (Altemeier or modified Delorme procedure). The surgeon removes the prolapsed rectum via an incision in the protruding rectum. Perineal proctectomy can be performed using regional anesthetic, which reduces the risk of complications and speeds your recovery.
• Sigmoid resection and rectopexy. The surgeon makes an incision in the abdomen and removes the sigmoid colon, the part of the large intestine closest to the rectum and anus. The rectopexy procedure anchors the rectum to the sacrum (a bony structure attached to the lower spine and pelvis). In most cases it is possible to perform this operation using minimally invasive surgery, which results in smaller incisions and a shorter hospital stay than conventional surgery.

Read more about rectal prolapse surgery at MayoClinic.com.