Rectal prolapse repair is a surgical procedure to fix an intestinal abnormality. Rectal prolapse is a condition in which the lower part of the intestine (rectum) pushes out through the anus. It may be partial – involving only the inner bowel lining (mucosa) – or complete, involving the entire rectum wall.
In children, prolapse may go away without treatment. In adults, it often requires surgery. Temple Health surgeons specialize in treating this and other digestive disorders.
Treatment Options
The most common types of rectal prolapse therapies are:
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Abdominal procedures – While you’re under general anesthesia, the surgeon makes an abdominal cut and removes part of the colon. Doctors may attach the rectum to surrounding tissue with mesh that holds it in place. Temple Health surgeons also do laparoscopic abdominal surgery – a minimally invasive alternative to open surgery.
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Perineal (anal) approach – Surgeons remove the prolapsed rectum and colon and then connect the rectum to surrounding tissues. This approach can help older adults or those with certain medical problems. Although it involves less discomfort and faster recovery, the prolapse is more likely to return. Doctors do this surgery under general anesthesia or epidural anesthesia (medicine in spinal fluid to block pain).
Your care team will tell you how to prepare. Your doctor may ask you to stop taking certain medicines and follow pre-surgery diet restrictions. At the hospital, you get laxatives or enemas, which clear out your intestines before surgery.
If you have open surgery, it’s typical to stay in the hospital for five to eight days. You go home sooner after laparoscopic surgery. For perineal (anal area) procedures, it may be two or three days. Recovery can take four to six weeks. Follow your care team’s instructions and feel free to ask questions. Your doctor and care team will discuss procedures, benefits and risks.
An Experienced Colorectal Surgery Team
At Temple Health, our specialists work together to manage bowel disease and other digestive conditions. With decades of experience in gastroenterology, surgery and other specialties, we understand the challenges of colorectal and other conditions. You receive high-level care that includes:
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Skilled teams – Some of the nation’s foremost doctors lead Temple's colorectal surgery team. Our specialists routinely manage some of the most challenging cases. Learn about your doctors and care team.
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Research leaders – Temple Health clinical researchers are renowned in the medical community for pioneering treatments that enhance care. Specialists study therapies to improve care for people with all forms of colorectal and related disease.
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Comprehensive care – One of the region's most respected academic medical centers, Temple University Hospital offers exceptional cross-specialty care and Temple University Hospital – Jeanes Campus provides sophisticated surgical and oncology services in a convenient, community-based setting.
Ready for an Appointment?
Find a doctor near you, request an appointment, or call 800-TEMPLE-MED (800-836-7536) today.
