Management of Rectal Prolapse: A Report of Three Cases and Review of the Literature

In aged and constipated people, long-term straining with defecation may result in anorectal prolapse. Rectal prolapse is the protrusion of the rectum through the anus, and is associated with pelvic anatomical abnormalities. These patients may present with symptoms such as prolapsed anal tissue or a mass, anal mucoid secretions, or bleeding from the protruding tissue. Most patients are advised to have the prolapsed bowel surgically treated in order to correct this disorder, and alleviate any associated constipation or fecal incontinence. We encountered three cases of rectal prolapse that were surgically treated by a transabdominal or transperineal approach.We herein present these cases, and review the related literature emphasizing proper selection of a surgical approach. Laparoscopic techniques are now also available, and can be performed safely and reliably. Nevertheless, the choice of procedure should be individualized to the patient's condition.