Aetiology and Surgical Treatment of Rectal Prolapse

Rectum is located just above the anal canal. Normally, the rectum is securely attached to the pelvis with the help of ligaments and muscles. This attachment firmly holds the rectum in place. Various factors, such as age, long-term constipation, and the stress of childbirth, may cause these ligaments and muscles to weaken, which means that the rectum's attachment to the body also weakens. This causes the rectum to prolapse, meaning it slips or falls out of place. Occasionally, large hemorrhoids (large, swollen veins inside the rectum) may predispose the rectum to prolapse. Rectal prolapse can be differentiated into partial prolapse and complete prolapse.

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