gastrointestinal disorders
Rectal Prolapse and Procidentia
Introduction
Rectal prolapseis painless protrusion of the rectum through the anus.Procidentiais complete prolapse of the entire thickness of the rectum. Diagnosis is by inspection. Surgery is usually required in adults. (See also Evaluation of Anorectal Disorders .) Transient, minor prolapse of just the rectal mucosa often occurs in otherwise normal infants. Mucosal prolapse in adults persists and may progressively worsen. Procidentia is complete prolapse of the entire thickness of the rectum. The primary cause of procidentia is unclear. Most patients are women>60. 