Abstract
The rectal prolapse it is a non frequent pathology, it’s pathophysiology is not clear, but includes a pelvic floor disorder; also it is a disease with a great impact on the lifestyle of patients who suffer from it.
Typically occurs in older adult women, but it can occur in men and women of all ages. The most frequent clinical manifestations include fecal incontinence, constipation, and a rectal mass sensation. The diagnosis can be made by physical exam or it can be confirmed in suspicious cases with a defecography; in turn, multiple complementary studies like MRI, cystography, colon transit, anal manometry, the latency of the terminal motor of the pudendal nerve and colonoscopy can be made. The decision of submitting these studies should be assessed independently in each case.
The cornerstone of the treatment of rectal prolapse is the surgery with an abdominal approach, for it’s greater effectiveness; or failing the perineal approach. Despite being the treatment of choice, all patients should be initially instructed about medical treatment because it diminishes the symptoms and can improve the quality of lifestyle of the patients.