Best Treatment for Rectal Prolapse in Delhi

Rectal prolapse is a distressing condition in which the rectum, the last part of the large intestine, slips out of its normal position and protrudes through the anus. This condition not only affects bowel function but can significantly impact the quality of life if left untreated. While early cases may be managed with lifestyle changes and dietary precautions, most patients eventually require surgical intervention for permanent relief.

If you're looking for expert care and long-lasting results, Dr. Kapil Agrawal, one of the Best Rectal Prolapse Surgeons in Delhi, offers advanced laparoscopic solutions tailored to your specific needs. With over two decades of surgical experience and a reputation for excellence in minimally invasive procedures, Dr. Agrawal ensures precision, quicker recovery, and minimal postoperative discomfort. At Habilite Clinics, each patient receives a personalized treatment plan aimed at achieving optimal outcomes with the least invasive techniques possible.

What is Rectal Prolapse?

Rectum is last part of the intestine where feces or stools is stored before being passed. When the rectum lining becomes weak or detached from the body, rectum starts protruding from the anus, a condition called as rectal prolapse.

Types of rectal prolapse

There are two types of rectal prolapse:

• Partial thickness prolapse (also called internal intussusception).
• Full-thickness prolapse (also called external prolapse).

Partial thickness rectal prolapse is a condition when only the innermost lining of rectum or mucosa protrudes only. Since the prolapse is not complete or full thickness, the amount of prolapse is quite small.

Majority of patients with partial prolapse present with constipation or feeling of incomplete evacuation.

Full thickness rectal prolapse is when the entire wall of rectum becomes so loose that it completely falls out of anus while passing stools.

Partial thickness rectal prolapse is usually less than 2 cm and produces radial folds.

Full thickness rectal prolapse is 3-5 cm and produces concentric rings.

Causes of Rectal Prolapse

• Advancing age
• Multiple pregnancies leading to repeated trauma of pelvic floor.
• Chronic or long-term constipation
• Chronic cough
• Neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis, spinal cord tumors

Symptoms of rectal prolapse

• The most common symptom is lump coming out of anus. In the initial stages, it happens only while passing stools but as the time passes by, it may happen while coughing, sitting or walking.
• In the early course of disease, the lump can be pushed back into the anus after defecation but latter the prolapse can be permanent.
• Mucous discharge from the anus or occasional bleeding.
• In case of partial prolapse, there is feeling of incomplete emptying after bowel motion.
• About 50% of patients complain of constipation.

Complications Due to Untreated Rectal Prolapse

• Initially prolapse is reducible but it might become permanent as the disease progresses
• Long standing rectal prolapse can cause permanent damage to anal sphincter muscles, leading to loss of control over bowel movement.
• It may cause multiple ulcers in prolapsed rectum, leading to infection & bleeding.
• The rectum may become permanently thickened and unhealthy.
• Cancer of Gall Bladder: When the gall bladder stones are present for a long time , it can even lead to gall bladder cancer.

Best Treatment for Rectal Prolapse

Although a few numbers of patients, especially with partial rectal prolapse can be managed conservatively and certain dietary and life style modifications, majority of patients will require some form of surgical intervention for permanent cure of this disease.

Surgical management of rectal prolapse can have two approaches:

• Abdominal approach - Through the belly.
• Perineal approach - Through the bottom or anus.

Although there are several procedures, but the type of surgery and approach depends on patients age, existing health problems, extent of the prolapse and his general health.

The abdominal approach has always better outcome. If patient is fit and healthy, it must undergo laparoscopic surgery as the results are far satisfying and long lasting

The various procedures conducted by our surgical team include:

STARR Procedure (Stapled Trans Anal Rectal Resection):

The procedure is performed through the anal canal (trans anal approach).

It is an innovative, technically safe and minimally invasive procedure useful in carefully selected and well-informed patients having partial or internal prolapse.

The procedure resects the internal rectal prolapse by means of staplers inserted into the anal canal.

No surgical incision, minimal pain, same day discharge and rapid recovery make this procedure an attractive option in appropriate patients.

Other Perineal Procedures:

• Mucosal Sleeve Resection (Delorme Procedure)& Perineal Proctosigmoidectomy ( Altemeier Procedure) are the other two perineal or trans anal procedures performed by our team.
• Only done in selected group of patients especially elder patients not fit for transabdominal or laparoscopic surgery due to associated medical illness.
• Each procedure has got its own indication, benefits and proper selection of patients is a must for achieving best outcomes.

Laparoscopic or Minimally Invasive Rectopexy With Possible Bowel Resection

The procedure of choice for complete rectal prolapse in patients fit to undergo general anesthesia

It is associated with best functional outcomes and minimal chance of recurrence.

3 tiny incisions of 0.5 cm are created on the belly and the rectum is pulled upwards and secured to the sacrum (back wall of the pelvis) either with the help of sutures directly or using a Mesh.

The basic purpose is to hold the rectum in its normal anatomical position until such a time as scarring occurs.

When patients complain of chronic or long-term constipation, removal of a part of colon may be necessary to improve bowel function (recto sigmoidectomy).

Advantages of laparoscopic surgery

• Long lasting results
• Almost zero percent chance of recurrence
• Rapid recovery
• Early and easy mobility
• Less tissue trauma and less post-operative pain
• Less Dependence on pain reliever tablets
• Low risk of infection
• Almost no risk of hernia
• Less tissue trauma and less post-operative pain
• Less Dependence on pain reliever tablets
• Low risk of infection
• Almost no risk of hernia