gastrointestinal disorders
Rectal Prolapse and Procidentia
Diagnosis of Rectal Prolapse and Procidentia
Clinical evaluation Sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, or barium enema To determine the full extent of the prolapse, the clinician should examine the patient while the patient is standing or squatting and straining. Rectal procidentia can be distinguished from Hemorrhoids by the presence of circumferential mucosal folds. Anal sphincter tone is usually diminished. Sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, or barium enema x-rays of the colon must be done to search for other disease. Primary neurologic disorders (eg, spinal cord tumors) should be considered. 