Your surgeon for Rectal Prolapse
Every procedure is carried out by a consultant-level surgeon.
What is Rectal Prolapse?
Rectal prolapse is a condition in which part or all of the rectum slips down and protrudes through the anus. It usually starts during a bowel movement, when a bulge appears at the anus and goes back in on its own; as it advances the tissue stays outside, and it brings discomfort, bleeding, mucus discharge and difficulty with bowel movements.
It is why the bulge keeps getting larger once it appears - the pelvic floor muscles and the ligaments that hold the rectum in place are stretched a little further each time you strain, and tissue that has been pushed out does not spring fully back. Chronic constipation, repeated straining, ageing, childbirth and previous pelvic surgery are the usual causes.
Diagnosis is made from a physical examination, which is usually enough to confirm the prolapse and show how far it extends. Colonoscopy, defecography, anal manometry or an MRI may be used when the surgeon needs a fuller picture of the pelvic floor before choosing a technique.
At Primitive Health Care the usual treatment for complete prolapse is laparoscopic rectal prolapse repair. Small keyhole cuts are made in the abdomen, the rectum is lifted back into its normal position and fixed there, and the cuts are closed with fine stitches. It takes one to two hours, most patients go home within two to three days and light daily activity resumes within five to seven days.
Illustration only. Your surgeon will explain your own findings.
Rectal Prolapse treatment at a glance
The essentials, before you read any further.
| Condition | Rectal prolapse |
|---|---|
| Procedure | Laparoscopic rectal prolapse repair |
| Duration | 1 to 2 hours |
| Performed by | Senior Surgeon |
| Anaesthesia | General |
| Hospital stay | 2 to 3 days |
| Back to routine | 5 to 7 days |
Are you experiencing any of these?
If two or more of these sound familiar, it is worth speaking to a surgeon.
- A bulge or lump at the anus after straining
- The bulge appears during a bowel movement and may go back in
- Tissue that stays outside and cannot be pushed back
- Bleeding from the rectum
- Mucus discharge
- Difficulty with bowel movements and a feeling of not emptying
Talk to our medical adviser for free
No cost for the first consultation and no obligation to book anything.
Laser treatment compared with open surgery
Both are real options. This is how they differ in practice.
| Open surgery | Laser surgery | |
|---|---|---|
| Cuts and incisions | A long cut in the abdomen | Several small keyhole cuts |
| Stitches | Many stitches along the cut | A few fine stitches or glue |
| Pain afterwards | Significant, needs strong painkillers | Mild, controlled with routine medication |
| Bleeding | More | Minimal |
| Hospital stay | Five to seven days | Two to three days |
| Return to work | Three to four weeks | Five to seven days |
| Risk of wound infection | Higher, open wound | Low |
Laser treatment is not right for every patient or every grade of the condition. Your surgeon will tell you honestly if open surgery is the better choice for you.
Why patients choose laser treatment
What actually changes for you, day to day.
Smaller cuts and scars
Several small keyhole cuts instead of one long cut in the abdomen, so the scars are much smaller.
Shorter hospital stay
Most patients are home in two to three days instead of staying in hospital for close to a week.
Back to work in days
Light daily activity usually resumes within five to seven days instead of three to four weeks.
Less bleeding
The laparoscopic instruments seal small vessels as they work, so blood loss during the repair is minimal.
Lower infection risk
Small keyhole wounds heal with far less risk of infection than one long open cut.
Senior surgeons
Your procedure is done by a senior surgeon at Primitive Health Care, with the same team looking after you from consultation to discharge.
What happens on the day
Step by step, so there are no surprises.
-
Consultation and diagnosis
30 to 45 minutes- You meet the surgeon and describe the bulge, bleeding and difficulty
- The examination confirms the prolapse and how far it extends
- Colonoscopy or MRI is arranged if the surgeon needs more detail
-
Admission and preparation
1 day before- Registration at the hospital the day before or the morning of surgery
- Blood tests, ECG and routine checks are completed
- Bowel preparation is started and consent is signed
-
Anaesthesia
10 to 15 minutes- General anaesthesia, so you stay asleep throughout
- You feel nothing during the repair
-
The laparoscopic procedure
1 to 2 hours- Several small keyhole cuts are made in the abdomen
- The rectum is lifted back into its normal position and fixed there
- The repair is checked and the instruments are removed
- The small cuts are closed with fine stitches or glue
-
Recovery and observation
2 to 3 days- You are monitored for pain, bleeding and the first bowel movement
- You are helped to walk on the same day and given fluids
- Diet is restarted slowly once you are fully awake
-
Discharge and follow-up
2 to 3 days- Most patients go home within two to three days
- Pain relief, stool softeners and activity advice are given
- A follow-up visit is arranged so healing can be checked
What will it cost?
The cost depends on the severity of the prolapse, the technique your surgeon chooses, the hospital you choose and the operating surgeon. Send your details and a care coordinator will call you with an exact figure. There is no obligation to book.
