Risk groups – Rectal prolapse

In general, patients with rectal prolapse are either very young or very old.

Older patients may have a history of chronic constipation or laxative abuse. They may also have loose muscles in the pelvic region or decreased anal sphincter tone.

In adults, partial mucosal prolapse is associated with grade 3 hemorrhoids. In women, partial or total mucosal prolapse may be due to anal injury during childbirth or other pelvic surgery.

The presence of rectal prolapse in children may be associated with episodes of diarrhea, whooping cough or malnutrition which causes loss of rectal fat. Rectal prolapse in children may be an indication of cystic fibrosis. In infants, the curve of the sacrum is not normal and the resting tone of the rectum is not yet developed.