What is rectal prolapse?
Patients with rectal prolapse have a protrusion (prolapse) of the rectum through the anus. The rectum folds on itself and protrudes through the anal canal. They may also have symptoms such as a change in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, mucus drainage, anorectal pain or fecal incontinence. Rectal prolapse is thought to occur because of a loss or weakness of the normal support structures for the rectum.