PELVIC FLOOR CONDITION
Rectal Prolapse
A condition in which part or all of the rectum protrudes through the anus. Rectal prolapse treatment includes laparoscopic, robotic, and perineal surgical options for all patient profiles.
ABOUT THIS CONDITION
What is Rectal Prolapse?
Rectal prolapse occurs when the rectum, the final section of the large bowel, slides and protrudes outside the body through the anus. It may be mucosal (partial) or full-thickness (complete). It is most common in elderly women and in young children. Symptoms include a visible lump protruding from the anus, mucus or blood discharge, difficulty with bowel control, and chronic constipation. As a leading rectal prolapse specialist, Dr. Samhitha Reddy performs the full range of rectopexy and perineal procedures, laparoscopic, robotic, open, ventral mesh rectopexy, Delorme's, Altemeier's, and selected adjunct options, choosing the technique best suited to the patient's age, fitness, prolapse grade, and bowel function.
SIGNS TO WATCH
Common Symptoms
Symptoms that need attention
WHY IT HAPPENS
Causes & Risk Factors
- Weakened pelvic floor muscles from ageing or childbirth
- Chronic constipation and long-term straining
- Multiple vaginal deliveries
- Pelvic floor disorders and connective tissue laxity
- Previous pelvic surgery affecting support structures
- Neurological conditions affecting pelvic nerve function
CLINICAL DETAILS
KeyFacts
Laparoscopic or robotic rectopexy, gold standard. Rectum fixed to sacrum with suture or mesh
Mesh placed anteriorly to support the rectum, selected cases with combined rectocele/prolapse
Perineal approach, mucosal stripping and muscle plication. Preferred for high-risk patients
Perineal rectosigmoidectomy, full-thickness resection of prolapsed segment via perineum
Sigmoid resection combined with rectopexy, selected cases with associated constipation
Encirclement of the anus with suture or mesh, adjunct or palliation for frail patients
HOW WE TREAT IT
Treatment Approach
Laparoscopic Rectopexy, Gold Standard at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad
Dr. Samhitha Reddy performs laparoscopic and robotic rectopexy through 3-4 small keyhole incisions. The rectum is mobilised, repositioned, and fixed to the sacrum. Hospital stay is just 1-2 days. Perineal approaches (Delorme, Altemeier) are available for elderly or high-risk patients who cannot tolerate abdominal surgery. All options, including Ventral Mesh Rectopexy and Resection Rectopexy, are available.
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Assessment & Imaging
Clinical examination, defecography, and anorectal manometry assess prolapse grade, pelvic floor function, and associated bowel dysfunction, guiding surgical planning.
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Laparoscopic / Robotic Rectopexy
The standard approach for fit patients, the rectum is dissected, repositioned, and fixed with sutures or mesh via keyhole incisions. Hospital stay 1-2 days. >90% long-term success.
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Ventral Mesh Rectopexy (Selected Cases)
A mesh is placed anteriorly to support the rectum and vaginal vault, preferred when rectocele or enterocele coexists with rectal prolapse.
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Perineal Procedures (High-Risk Patients)
Delorme Procedure (mucosal stripping and muscle plication) or Altemeier Procedure (perineal rectosigmoidectomy), performed through the perineum without abdominal incisions, suitable for elderly or frail patients.
AVAILABLE TREATMENTS
Treatment Options
Rectopexy
A surgical procedure in which the rectum is mobilised and fixed to the sacrum to restore normal anatomical position and prevent prolapse or abnormal descent.
Ventral Mesh Rectopexy
A nerve-sparing anterior approach where a mesh is used to support and fix the rectum to the sacrum, commonly performed for rectal prolapse or obstructive defecation.
Delorme Procedure
Perineal mucosal stripping with plication of the muscular layer for short-segment prolapse.
Altemeier Procedure
Perineal rectosigmoidectomy involving full-thickness resection of the prolapsed rectum.
Resection Rectopexy
A combination of sigmoid resection with rectal fixation to address redundancy and prolapse.
Thiersch Procedure
Placement of a circumferential encircling material around the anus to provide mechanical support.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked
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