A Rectal Prolapse (RP), or procidentia, is the descent of the upper rectum. This descensus in the full-thickness of the rectum, and can be either internal, called an internal rectal prolapse or intussusception (IRP), or through the anus (called an external rectal prolapse (ERP)).
RP mainly occurs in women (80-90%) of which most in the 6-7th decade. Risk factors for developing a rectal prolapse are the presence of an abnormal deep pouch of Douglas, laxity and atonic condition of the muscles of the pelvic floor and anal canal. Moreover, weakness of both internal and external sphincters, often with evidence of pudendal nerve neuropathy and the lack of normal fixation of the rectum may lead to RP. This also frequently leads to other pelvic organ prolapses like vesicoceles, enteroceles and genital prolapses. In this study the investigators will focus on the treatment of RP.
Rectal prolapses cause anal incontinence in more than half of the patients. Another frequent symptom of RP is constipation. Furthermore, the rectal prolapse can lead to anal pain as a result of incarceration leading to ulcers, necrosis and perforation.
Besides the fact that this disease has a considerable impact on the individual quality of life, it also carries significant socio-economic consequences as incontinence products have to be used in large amounts.
