rectal prolapse in Chennai

Rectal Prolapse Diagnosis

The complete diagnostic procedure for rectal prolapse includes:

Physical Examination: In the physical examination, the doctor observes the rectum and may insert a gloved and lubricated finger in the anus to check the strength of the anal sphincter and the rectum. In this exam, the doctor will ask you to describe your symptoms and medical history to understand the condition better. They may even ask you to squat and strain as you do during the bowel movement. 

Based on the findings of the physical assessment, the doctor might ask you to get some other tests done. 

• Anal electromyography (EMG): This test lets doctors measure the effectiveness of muscles and nerves in the rectum. The doctors place electrodes a few inches into the rectum to perform this test. The procedure takes a few minutes. 
• Colonoscopy: This diagnostic procedure involves the insertion of a thin and flexible tube with a small camera (colonoscope) into the rectum to perform a visual exam of the area. 
• Anorectal manometry: In this test, doctors use a flexible tube which is the size of a thermometer and has a small deflated balloon attached to its end to measure the rectum’s response to pressure. The device is inserted into the rectum before conducting the test. 
• Barium enema: In the Barium Enema test, the doctors place a chalky liquid containing barium in the rectum of the patient. The barium becomes visible on the X-rays, producing clear images of the area. 
• Defecography: In this test, the doctors use x-rays or MRIs to monitor your colon as you have a bowel movement. 
• Lower GI series: To perform this test, doctors place a chalky liquid containing barium in the large intestine of the patient. This liquid lets doctors get a clear picture of the area on an x-ray. 
• Transit study: In this test, the doctor asks the patient to swallow one or more capsules which have markers on them. These markers can be seen on the X-ray. After swallowing the capsules, the patient has to appear for x-rays for the next 5 days. It helps doctors assess how the markers pass through the intestines. 

Surgical Treatment for Rectal Prolapse

There are various surgical treatment options for rectal prolapse, including; 

Rectopexy for Rectal Prolapse Surgery Through The Abdomen

Rectopexy is also known as rectal prolapse surgery through the abdomen. The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia and requires a hospital stay of several days. Recovery time can vary, but most patients are able to return to normal activities within a few weeks. Rectopexy is considered a safe and effective treatment for rectal prolapse and has a high success rate in preventing the recurrence of the condition. Here’s how this surgery is performed: 

1. During a rectopexy procedure, the surgeon will make an incision in the abdomen. 
2. The surgeon will then locate the rectum and dissect it carefully from the surrounding tissues. 
3. After this, the surgeon will suture the rectum to the sacrum, and will ensure that the rectum is properly positioned. 
4. The surgeon will then close the incision in the abdomen with sutures or staples. 
5. The patient will be monitored closely following the procedure to ensure proper healing.

Laparoscopic rectal prolapse surgery

Laparoscopic rectal prolapse surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that is used to treat rectal prolapse. This surgery is performed through small incisions in the abdomen rather than a large incision in the rectum. This approach has many benefits, including less pain, faster recovery times, and a lower risk of complications. Patients who undergo laparoscopic rectal prolapse surgery can typically return to their normal activities within a few weeks. Here’s an explanation of  the steps involved in a laparoscopic rectal prolapse surgery to help you understand the procedure properly: 

Step 1: The surgeon will administer general anesthesia to the patient.

Step 2: After the patient is sedated, the surgeon will insert a laparoscope into the abdomen.

Step 3: The surgeon will make small incisions in the abdomen to insert surgical instruments.

Step 4: The surgeon will locate the rectum and gently pull it out of the body.

Step 5: The surgeon will remove any excess tissue or prolapsed areas from the rectum.

Step 6: The surgeon will suture the rectum back into place.

Step 7: The surgeon will close the incisions with sutures or staples.

Step 8: The patient will be monitored in the recovery room before hospital discharge.

Robotic surgery

Robotic surgery for rectal prolapse is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that offers several benefits over traditional open surgery. These benefits include reduced blood loss, less pain and scarring, and shorter hospital stays. Recovery time after robotic surgery for rectal prolapse is typically shorter than with open surgery, with most patients able to return to normal activities within a few weeks. Here’s how a robotic surgery for rectal prolapse is performed: 

1. The surgeon will make small incisions in the patient’s abdomen. 
2. The robotic arms will be inserted through the incisions. 
3. The surgeon will control the robotic arms from a console. 
4. The robot will create a 3D image of the surgical site. 
5. The surgeon will use the robotic arms to remove any excess tissue causing the rectal prolapse. 
6. The surgeon will use sutures to secure the rectum in its proper position. 
7. The robotic arms will be removed, and the incisions will be closed. 
8. The patient will be monitored for complications and given appropriate medication for pain management.

Perineal Rectosigmoidectomy

Perineal Rectosigmoidectomy is a surgical procedure that removes part of the rectum and sigmoid colon via the perineum. Benefits include faster recovery time and lower risk of complications. Recovery time varies but is generally shorter than traditional surgery. This surgery is performed in the following steps: 

1. The surgeon will make an incision in the perineum. 
2. The surgeon will then dissect the rectum and mobilize it.
3. The surgeon will then create a suture line at the distal rectum.
4. The surgeon will then pull the rectum down and remove the redundant tissue.
5. The surgeon will then create a colostomy if needed.
6. The surgeon will then close the perineal incision.
7. The patient will be monitored after the procedure for any complications.

Delorme Procedure

The Delorme procedure is another surgical treatment for rectal prolapse. It involves folding and sewing a portion of the rectal wall to itself to reinforce weak or damaged tissue. Benefits include improved bowel function and reduced risk of recurrence. Recovery time varies but typically takes 2-4 weeks. The steps of the Delorme procedure for rectal prolapse treatment are as follows:

1. The surgeon will administer anesthesia to the patient.
2. The surgeon will insert a special instrument called a proctoscope into the rectum to visualize the prolapse.
3. The surgeon will remove the prolapsed tissue using a scalpel or scissors.
4. The surgeon will then suture the edges of the remaining rectal tissue together.
5. The surgeon will check the area to ensure there is no bleeding or damage.
6. When the procedure is complete, the patient will be shifted to the recovery room.