Treatment of Rectal Intussusception
Nov 14, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Lei
Introduction
Treatment options for internal rectal intussusception include adjusting diet, improving bowel habits, medication-assisted therapy, rectal mucosal injection therapy, and surgical correction. The appropriate approach should be selected based on the severity of the condition. If symptoms such as worsening defecation difficulty, rectal bleeding, or abdominal pain occur, prompt medical attention is recommended. Increasing dietary fiber intake—such as consuming more celery, oats, apples, etc.—is also advised.
Treatments for internal rectal prolapse include adjusting diet, improving bowel habits, medication-assisted therapy, rectal mucosal injection therapy, and surgical correction. The appropriate approach should be selected based on the severity of the condition. If symptoms such as worsening difficulty in defecation, rectal bleeding, or abdominal pain occur, prompt medical attention is recommended.
1. Adjusting diet: Increase dietary fiber intake by consuming more celery, oats, apples, etc. Drink 1500–2000 mL of water daily to maintain soft, smooth bowel movements and reduce traction and injury to the rectal mucosa during defecation.
2. Improving bowel habits: Avoid prolonged squatting on the toilet (no more than 5 minutes per session) and excessive straining during bowel movements. Develop a regular bowel habit, and consider abdominal massage to enhance intestinal motility and reduce rectal strain during defecation.
3. Medication-assisted therapy: Under medical guidance, use laxatives (e.g., lactulose) to soften stools or mucosal protectants to alleviate local inflammation, reducing irritation to the prolapsed area and helping relieve symptoms.
4. Rectal mucosal injection therapy: Inject a sclerosing agent into the submucosal layer of the rectum to induce adhesion between the mucosa and muscular layer, preventing mucosal prolapse and intussusception. This method is suitable for patients with mild to moderate internal rectal prolapse and involves minimal trauma.
5. Surgical correction: For patients with severe symptoms or those unresponsive to conservative treatment, procedures such as rectopexy or circular rectal mucosectomy may be performed to surgically restore rectal anatomy and correct the intussusception. Surgery must be conducted strictly according to its indications.
In daily life, avoid prolonged sitting or standing; perform moderate anal sphincter exercises (Kegel exercises) to strengthen pelvic floor muscles; maintain perianal hygiene and clean the area with warm water after defecation; monitor bowel patterns regularly, and promptly adjust treatment and care strategies if abnormalities occur.
