Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome

Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome is a condition in which one or more open sores, called ulcers, form in the rectum. The rectum is a muscular tube connected to the end of the colon. Stool passes through the rectum on its way out of the body.

Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome is a rare and poorly understood disorder that can happen in people with long-lasting constipation. It can cause rectal bleeding, pain and straining when passing stool. Despite the name, sometimes more than one rectal ulcer develops in solitary rectal ulcer syndrome.

Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome may improve with simple lifestyle strategies, such as changing your diet and drinking more fluids. In severe cases, however, surgery may be needed.

Symptoms of solitary rectal ulcer syndrome include:

• Constipation.
• Rectal bleeding.
• Straining during bowel movements.
• Pain or a feeling of fullness in the pelvis or rectum.
• A feeling of incomplete passing of stool.
• Passing mucus from your rectum.
• Not being able to control bowel movements, called fecal incontinence.

However, some people with solitary rectal ulcer syndrome may experience no symptoms.

Make an appointment with a healthcare professional if you notice any symptoms that worry you.

Several other conditions may cause symptoms similar to those of solitary rectal ulcer syndrome. At your appointment, your healthcare professional may recommend tests and procedures to identify or rule out causes other than solitary rectal ulcer syndrome.

It's not always clear what causes solitary rectal ulcer syndrome. Researchers believe that stress or injury to the rectum may cause rectal ulcers to form.

Among the things that could injure the rectum are:

• Constipation or hardened stool in the rectum that's difficult to pass, called impacted stool.
• Straining when passing stool.
• A stretched rectum that comes out of the anus, known as rectal prolapse.
• Tightening of the pelvic floor muscles that slows blood flow to the rectum.
• Attempts to manually remove impacted stool.
• One part of the intestine sliding inside another part, known as intussusception.

Rectal prolapse

Rectal prolapse occurs when the rectum becomes stretched and comes out of the anus.

Intussusception

Intussusception is a rare, serious condition in which one part of the intestine slides inside another part.

Though anyone can have solitary rectal ulcer syndrome, adults between the ages of 30 and 40 are most affected.