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Rectal prolapse
Can rectal prolapse cause rectal bleeding?
If it is a recurrent case of rectal prolapse, as the prolapsed mucosa appears at the anus and rubs against it repeatedly when the patient walks or moves, it can lead to mucosal rupture and bleeding. Therefore, in severe cases of rectal prolapse or when a complete prolapse occurs, there might be bleeding during defecation. The diagnosis of rectal prolapse requires an examination with an anoscope and defecography to make a definitive diagnosis. For mild rectal prolapse, one can treat it with oral medications that supplement and boost the body's vital energy, and this can be supplemented with herbal enemas. For severe cases of internal mucosal rectal prolapse or complete mucosal prolapse, it is advisable to undergo surgical removal of the excess mucosa through excision or suturing. This surgery can alleviate symptoms of discomfort and prevent other complications.
Can glycerin suppositories be used for rectal prolapse?
If a patient experiences difficulty in defecation or constipation due to rectal prolapse, enemas can be used to help facilitate bowel movements. The basic principle behind the defecation difficulties caused by rectal prolapse is due to the prolapsed, lax mucosa blocking the anal opening, preventing normal excretion of stool. Alternatively, when excretion does occur, it may be impeded by the mucosal obstruction, obstructing the normal passage of feces. Therefore, besides using enemas to address difficulty in defection and bowel movement, it is more necessary to surgically remove the lax mucosa to achieve a fundamental treatment. The use of enemas alone can only provide temporary relief of symptoms and does not address the root cause of the problem. For rectal mucosal prolapse, a stapled hemorrhoidopexy can be performed to surgically remove the prolapsed mucosa.
Can you do yoga with rectal prolapse?
Patients with rectal prolapse can engage in moderate exercise, but it is not recommended to perform exercises that involve significant abdominal strength or squatting movements. This is because excessive abdominal pressure or overexertion can increase intra-abdominal pressure, compressing the mucosa and tissue around the anus, thereby worsening the prolapse. If squatting exercises are performed over a long period, it could further aggravate the degree of rectal mucosal prolapse. Hence, patients with rectal prolapse may opt for gentler exercises like yoga, ensuring that the movements and methods do not exacerbate the condition of the rectal mucosa. Patients with rectal prolapse should seek surgical treatment as soon as possible, where the prolapsed mucosa is completely excised for recovery.
What tests should be done for rectal prolapse?
Rectal prolapse primarily refers to excessive laxity of the rectal mucosa within the anal canal. This lax mucosa accumulates at the anal opening, forming a clinical symptom. Patients may experience significant local swelling and a feeling of falling down. In severe cases or when the prolapse overly obstructs the anal opening, it might lead to difficulties in defecation and constipation. To diagnose rectal prolapse, an initial assessment typically involves a digital rectal examination and an anoscopy to simply and initially screen for the presence of mucosal prolapse. Further, a defecography might be required to ascertain the severity of the rectal prolapse. For mild rectal prolapse, topical medications can be used to alleviate symptoms. In cases of moderate or severe rectal prolapse, surgery is necessary to excise the lax mucosal loop.