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Thursday 4 June 2026

Peer Reviewed

Practical procedures

How to assess a rectal prolapse

Katherine Ellard

Recent articles on:
Anal and rectal diseases

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A woman with a pruritic perianal plaque

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Recent articles on:
Digestive diseases

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Dysphagia – an updated guide to investigation

Anal disorders – haemorrhoids, abscesses and fissures

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Abstract

Rectal prolapse can be distressing for the patient. It is basically a problem of plumbing, and appropriate inspection can usually diagnose it.

Key Points

Rectal prolapse is a relatively uncommon but quite disabling condition. In children, the incidence is similar for boys and girls. However, it is much more common in females than males in adult life. It is generally associated with straining at stool over a long period of time. The symptoms depend on the degree of prolapse.