Our Summary

This research paper discusses a rare case of a 63-year-old Japanese woman who had both rectal cancer and rectal prolapse. Rectal prolapse is a condition where the rectum, the end part of the large intestine, slides out of its normal position and protrudes out of the anus. Normally, surgeries for either rectal cancer or rectal prolapse are done separately, but in this instance, the doctors decided to use a technique called laparoscopic low anterior resection. This is a minimally invasive surgery that removes the cancer and also treats the rectal prolapse, all in one go. The patient recovered well from the surgery, with no major complications, and 12 months later, she had no signs of either the cancer or the prolapse returning. The researchers conclude that this type of surgery could be a suitable treatment option for others with the same conditions.

FAQs

  1. What is rectal prolapse and how is it normally treated?
  2. What is laparoscopic low anterior resection and how was it used to treat the woman with both rectal cancer and rectal prolapse?
  3. What were the results of the surgery and how did the patient recover?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor may advise a patient undergoing rectal prolapse surgery to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including avoiding heavy lifting, straining during bowel movements, and following a high-fiber diet to prevent constipation. They may also recommend pelvic floor exercises to strengthen the muscles supporting the rectum and reduce the risk of recurrence. It’s important for patients to communicate any concerns or symptoms with their healthcare provider to ensure proper healing and recovery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended rectal prolapse surgery are those who have tried other conservative treatments such as dietary changes, pelvic floor exercises, and medications without success. They may also be experiencing symptoms such as chronic constipation, fecal incontinence, or the protrusion of the rectum through the anus. Additionally, patients with severe rectal prolapse that significantly impacts their quality of life or causes complications such as ulcers or bleeding may also be candidates for surgery. It is important for patients to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for their individual situation.

Timeline

Before the rectal prolapse surgery:

  • Patient experiences symptoms of rectal prolapse such as feeling a bulge or protrusion from the anus
  • Patient may have difficulty with bowel movements or experience fecal incontinence
  • Patient undergoes diagnostic tests such as a physical examination, colonoscopy, or imaging studies to confirm the diagnosis
  • Treatment options such as pelvic floor exercises, dietary changes, or medications may be recommended, but if these are ineffective, surgery may be considered

After the rectal prolapse surgery:

  • Patient undergoes laparoscopic low anterior resection surgery to remove the rectal cancer and repair the rectal prolapse
  • Patient is monitored closely in the hospital for any complications or signs of infection
  • Patient may experience some pain or discomfort post-surgery, but this can be managed with pain medications
  • Patient is advised to follow a special diet and avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activities to aid in the recovery process
  • Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor the patient’s progress and ensure that the prolapse does not recur
  • Patient may be advised to continue with pelvic floor exercises or other treatments to prevent future episodes of rectal prolapse.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the risks and potential complications associated with rectal prolapse surgery?
  2. What is the success rate of this type of surgery in treating rectal prolapse?
  3. What is the recovery process like after rectal prolapse surgery?
  4. How long will it take for me to fully recover and resume normal activities after surgery?
  5. Will I need to make any lifestyle changes or follow a special diet after the surgery?
  6. Are there any long-term effects or potential complications I should be aware of after the surgery?
  7. Will I need any additional treatments or follow-up care after the surgery?
  8. How experienced is the surgical team in performing this type of surgery?
  9. Are there any alternative treatment options available for rectal prolapse?
  10. What are the chances of the rectal prolapse recurring after surgery?

Reference

Authors: Yamamoto R, Mokuno Y, Matsubara H, Kaneko H, Iyomasa S. Journal: J Med Case Rep. 2018 Feb 6;12(1):28. doi: 10.1186/s13256-017-1555-1. PMID: 29402298