Controversy in the treatment of symptomatic internal rectal prolapse: Suspension or resection?

Abstract

Internal rectal prolapse (IRP) is a full-thickness intussusception of the rectum during defecation. Radiologically, different grades have been proposed: from low-grade (rectorectal intussusception) to high-grade (rectoanal intussusception) prolapse. This prolapse may lead to an outlet obstruction and/or fecal incontinence. IRP plays an important role in the pathophysiology of obstructed defecation (OD), which is the inability to empty the rectum satisfactorily during defecation and is more specifically defined in the Rome III criteria. © Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2010.