What Is Rectal Prolapse Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment and Prevention Everyday Health Menu NewslettersSearch Rectal Prolapse What Is Rectal Prolapse Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment and Prevention By Lindsey KonkelMedically Reviewed by Justin Laube, MD Reviewed: December 7, 2020 Medically Reviewed Rectal prolapse occurs when part or all of the rectum slides out of place and sticks out of the anus, turning the rectum inside out. The rectum is the final section of the large intestine before the anus (the opening through which stool passes out of the body). Rectal prolapse is an uncomfortable condition that usually requires surgery to fix. Signs and Symptoms of Rectal Prolapse Rectal prolapse may be uncomfortable, but it’s not usually painful. Symptoms of rectal prolapse may include:Bright red tissue sticking out of the anus (the tissue might be bloody or have Most Recent in Rectal Prolapse Gut Check Can Cookie Dough Really Harm Your Gut 5 Natural Ways to Manage Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms Early Research Reveals Key Player in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease See all in Rectal Prolapse Causes and Risk Factors of Rectal Prolapse There’s no single definitive cause of rectal prolapse, although a number of known factors can increase your risk of developing this condition. Chronic Editor s Picks 11 High-Fiber Foods to Add to Your Diet All About Fiber Nutrition Food Sources and More Why Is Fiber Important in Digestive Health How Is Rectal Prolapse Diagnosed Or they may also administer or order the following tests:Defecogram X-rays taken during a bowel movement examine muscle movement.Anorectal manometry A thin tube is used to measure the strength of the sphincter.Colonoscopy A tube with a camera is used to examine the colon.Anal sphincter electromyography (EMG) An electrode measures sphincter muscle activity.MRI This test can help assess organs used during a bowel movement. Prognosis of Rectal Prolapse Prognosis tends to be good. If surgery is needed, it has a high success rate and usually cures the prolapse. Duration of Rectal Prolapse Related: Treatment and Medication Options for Rectal Prolapse Treatment for rectal prolapse depends on the severity of your symptoms. Sometimes prolapses resolve on their own. Initially your healthcare provider might work with you to manage the constipation that might be causing the prolapse through adding fiber to your diet and keeping hydrated. Your doctor might work with you to avoid straining during bowel movements. Kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic muscles might also be advised. If none of these strategies help, surgery is usually required — especially if you’re experiencing recurrent episodes. Surgery can keep rectal prolapse from happening again. Two types of surgical procedures are typically used to treat rectal prolapse:Abdominal repair Surgery to fix rectal prolapse is usually done through the belly. Abdominal surgery for rectal prolapse usually involves making a small cut in the lower abdomen. The surgeon will then pull the rectum upward and attach it to a small bone in the lower back so that it can’t slip out again.Rectal repair In this type of surgery, the surgeon works through the anus rather than making an incision in the abdomen. This surgery is often performed on older patients or those with more medical problems. The two most common rectal procedures are:Altemeier procedure In this procedure, the surgeon cuts off or removes a portion of the rectum that extends outside the anus. The remaining rectum is pushed back inside the body and attached to the inside of the anus.Delorme procedure In this procedure, the inner lining of the fallen rectum is removed. The outer lining is then folded and sewn back so that it no longer protrudes. Prevention of Rectal Prolapse To prevent rectal prolapse, avoid straining during bowel movements. Drink plenty of waterEat fruits, vegetables, and other foods that are high in fiberExercise regularlyUse The Case for Kegels Here’s Why You Should Be Doing Kegels After Menopause These exercises can stop leakage, improve intimacy, and more. Complications of Rectal Prolapse Research and Statistics How Many People Have Rectal Prolapse Hispanic Americans and Rectal Prolapse Related Conditions and Causes of Rectal Prolapse Cystic fibrosisChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Resources We Love The website for the Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking Rectal Prolapse. Show Less NEWSLETTERS Sign up for our Digestive Health Newsletter SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. 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