Abstract
Full-thickness rectal prolapse, or procidentia, is the passage of the full-thickness
wall of the rectum beyond the anal sphincters. This condition results in pain and
fecal incontinence which greatly impairs the quality of life of those afflicted. It
is associated with several anatomic abnormalities, including decreased anal sphincter
tone, levator muscle diastasis, and a deep anterior cul-de-sac. The diagnosis of rectal
prolapse is made based on physical examination, although several other modalities
are used to provide additional information about the patients' condition. While medical
management of rectal prolapse can be effective in some cases, the mainstay of management
of rectal prolapse is surgical correction.
Keywords
rectal prolapse - procidentia