Rectal prolapse is a condition where the rectum protrudes outside the anus. This condition occurs more commonly in women and can usually be corrected surgically. There are both abdominal and rectal procedures that can be done and the decision for which treatment option will require detailed discussion with your surgeon to evaluate which procedure is best for each individual.

There are two general approaches to surgery for rectal prolapse – abdominal operations (through the belly) and perineal operations (through “the bottom”). Both approaches aim to stop the prolapse from occurring again and usually result in a significant improvement in quality of life.

The choice of surgery type depends on both patient factors and procedural factors. Patient factors include the patient’s age, sex, bowel function, continence, prior operations, and severity of associated medical problems. Procedural factors include extent of prolapse, what effect the procedure might have on bowel function and incontinence, complication rates of the procedure, recurrence rates of the procedure and the individual surgeon’s experience.