The difference between rectal prolapse and rectal prolapse

Written by Deng Heng
Colorectal Surgery
Updated on January 13, 2025
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The term "rectal prolapse" used in folk vernacular covers a wide range, such as incarcerated hemorrhoids, inflammatory external hemorrhoids, thrombosed external hemorrhoids, rectal polyps, and rectal prolapse itself are all referred to as rectal prolapse. Of course, this also includes cases where, due to a lack of medical knowledge, any tumors or flesh-like growth protruding from inside to outside the anus are collectively termed as rectal prolapse. It is evident that the folk term “rectal prolapse” includes conditions like prolapsed rectum, prolapsed internal hemorrhoids, or prolapsed polyps, while the modern medical definition of rectal prolapse specifically refers to the protrusion of the rectum and its mucous membrane; the two should not be confused.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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Can people with rectal prolapse eat beef?

Patients with rectal prolapse can eat beef, but it is not recommended to consume it in excess, as eating too much beef may lead to dry stools or a high fiber content in the feces, making it difficult to expel and potentially worsening the severity of the rectal prolapse. The diet for patients with rectal prolapse should mainly be light, including liquid or easily digestible foods, and avoid spicy foods like chili peppers and seafood or foods with a hard texture. In addition to dietary considerations, patients with rectal prolapse also need treatment to relieve symptoms or cure the condition. Options include traditional Chinese medicine enemas that preserve the function or oral medications that supplement and boost vital energy, as well as surgery to remove the prolapsed rectal mucosa.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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Clinical manifestations of rectal prolapse

The clinical manifestations of rectal prolapse mainly involve the contents within the anal canal, especially the prolapse of the rectal mucosa outside the anus, which is most common. Severe cases of rectal prolapse may lead to a cylindrical or conical prolapse. The common type of rectal prolapse mainly refers to rectal prolapse, but there can also be internal prolapse of the rectal mucosa. Internal prolapse of the rectal mucosa is characterized by excessive relaxation and accumulation of the rectal mucosa at the anus, causing symptoms such as a sense of blockage, downward pressure, and obstruction during bowel movements. This can be definitively diagnosed through an anal examination and defecography. Regardless of whether it is internal prolapse of the rectal mucosa or rectal prolapse, when the disease progresses to a severe degree affecting the patient's normal life, surgical treatment is recommended.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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The difference between rectal prolapse and rectal prolapse

The difference between rectal prolapse and rectal procidentia mainly lies in the location and extent of the lesions, as well as the degree of the lesions. Rectal prolapse mainly includes internal rectal mucosal prolapse and external rectal mucosal prolapse, and external rectal mucosal prolapse is mainly referred to as rectal procidentia. Hence, rectal procidentia is a manifestation of rectal prolapse, while rectal prolapse is a generalized term for rectal procidentia. If it is an internal rectal mucosal prolapse, one can choose traditional Chinese medicine retention enema or oral medication for treatment. However, if rectal procidentia is confirmed and recurs, the only treatment method is surgery to excise the prolapsed mucosa. To prevent rectal prolapse or rectal procidentia, it is advised not to engage in excessive physical activities.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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What is the pathogenic mechanism of rectal prolapse?

The pathogenic mechanism of rectal prolapse primarily refers to the relaxation and sagging of the rectal mucosa down to the anal area, forming an internal rectal mucosa prolapse. Excessive relaxation of the rectal mucosa can protrude externally through the anus in a cylindrical or conical shape, commonly known as external rectal mucosa prolapse or rectal prolapse. The causes are mainly due to congenital deficiency of kidney energy in patients or excessive relaxation of the rectal mucosa due to multiple childbirths. Some patients with long-term constipation may also experience rectal mucosal relaxation due to excessive straining during bowel movements. Additionally, elderly and frail patients may experience sagging of the rectal mucosa as they age.

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How is rectal prolapse graded?

Rectal prolapse is generally graded into three degrees: first degree rectal prolapse, second degree rectal prolapse, and third degree rectal prolapse. First degree rectal prolapse is a relatively minor condition where the rectal mucosa protrudes but can retract back on its own. Second degree rectal prolapse is a moderate condition where the protruding mucosa extends approximately 5-10 centimeters, generally forming a conical shape, and requires the patient to manually reposition it. Third degree rectal prolapse indicates a severe condition, with the prolapsed mucosa typically extending beyond 10 centimeters. It may protrude with each incident and could also occur when the patient strains the abdomen or squats. The treatment of second and third degree rectal prolapse generally requires surgical intervention.