How to treat rectal prolapse, and what is the best treatment method for rectal prolapse?
Nov 13, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Li Jingxiang
Introduction
In general, rectal prolapse may be caused by factors such as weak pelvic floor muscles, anatomical abnormalities, internal hemorrhoids, long-term constipation, or chronic diarrhea. It can be improved through general treatments, medication, and other measures. Prompt medical attention is necessary, and treatment should be conducted under a doctor's guidance. Weakness of the pelvic floor muscles is often associated with factors such as childbirth, aging and frailty, malnutrition, or nerve and muscle damage around the rectum caused by surgery or trauma.
Generally, rectal prolapse may be caused by factors such as weak pelvic floor muscles, anatomical factors, internal hemorrhoids, long-term constipation, chronic diarrhea, and others. General treatments and medication therapy can help improve the condition. Prompt medical attention is necessary, and treatment should follow medical advice. Details are as follows:
1. Weak Pelvic Floor Muscles: Weakness of the pelvic floor muscles is usually associated with childbirth, aging, malnutrition, or nerve and muscle damage around the rectum caused by surgery or trauma. These factors can lead to relaxation of the pelvic floor muscles, weakening their supportive and stabilizing effects on the rectum, thus making rectal prolapse more likely. Physical therapies such as pelvic floor muscle exercises and warm sitz baths may be employed to enhance the contractility and endurance of the pelvic floor muscles.
2. Anatomical Factors: Anatomical factors refer to incomplete skeletal development in children or weak pelvic floor tissues in adults. In children, a small curvature of the sacrum and a more upright orientation result in weaker fixation and support of the rectum by the surrounding tissues, making rectal prolapse more likely. In most cases, rectal prolapse may improve naturally over time as nutrition improves and physical strength increases.
3. Internal Hemorrhoids: Internal hemorrhoids are soft venous masses formed by dilation and tortuosity of the venous plexus beneath the mucosa of the distal rectum and under the anal skin. When internal hemorrhoids progress to a certain stage, they frequently prolapse from the anus, pulling down the rectal mucosa and inducing rectal prolapse, often accompanied by rectal bleeding. Medications such as Xiaozhi Pills, Xiaozhong痔Pian (Hemorrhoid Tablets for Swelling Relief), and Diyu Huaijiao Pills may be used according to medical advice to reduce swelling and relieve pain.
4. Long-term Constipation: Chronic constipation leads to hard, difficult-to-pass stools, requiring excessive straining during bowel movements, which can easily cause anal prolapse. Additionally, constipation can subject the rectal mucosa to prolonged irritation and injury, increasing the risk of rectal prolapse, often accompanied by difficulty in defecation. Under medical guidance, medications such as Bifidobacterium Live Powder, Xingshen Yang'er Granules, and Simotang Oral Liquid may be used to lubricate the intestines and promote bowel movements.
5. Chronic Diarrhea: Chronic diarrhea causes increased frequency and altered consistency of bowel movements, leading to frequent irritation and injury of the rectal mucosa. Long-term diarrhea may also cause anal sphincter relaxation and weakened pelvic floor muscles, increasing the risk of rectal prolapse, often accompanied by increased bowel movement frequency. Anti-diarrheal medications such as Montmorillonite Powder, Loperamide Hydrochloride Capsules, and Racecadotril Granules may be used according to medical advice.
Dietary adjustments are necessary, including increased intake of dietary fiber to maintain regular bowel movements.
