Our Summary

This research paper discusses a rare case of a young adult (30 years old) who had to undergo emergency surgery due to a condition called rectal prolapse. Rectal prolapse is a condition where the rectum’s wall slips or folds into itself and protrudes out of the anus. This condition commonly affects children and elderly people, and it’s rare in young adults. An even rarer complication is when the prolapsed rectum gets strangulated or squeezed, cutting off the blood supply. In this specific case, the patient underwent a successful emergency procedure called a perineal rectosigmoidectomy (Altemeier repair), which is a surgical method used to treat rectal prolapse.

FAQs

  1. What is rectal prolapse and who does it commonly affect?
  2. What is a perineal rectosigmoidectomy (Altemeier repair) procedure?
  3. What complications can arise from rectal prolapse?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about rectal prolapse surgery is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully. This may include taking prescribed pain medication, eating a high-fiber diet to prevent constipation, avoiding heavy lifting or straining, and keeping the surgical area clean to prevent infection. It’s important to attend follow-up appointments with your doctor to monitor healing and address any concerns. Remember to communicate openly with your healthcare team about any symptoms or issues you may experience during recovery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended rectal prolapse surgery are those who have tried conservative treatments such as dietary changes, pelvic floor exercises, and medications without success. Additionally, patients with severe symptoms such as difficulty controlling bowel movements, chronic constipation, or recurrent rectal prolapse are also candidates for surgery.

In some cases, patients may need emergency surgery if the rectal prolapse becomes strangulated or if there is severe pain, bleeding, or infection. Young adults like the patient in the research paper are rare candidates for rectal prolapse surgery, as the condition is more common in children and older adults. However, in cases where conservative treatments are not effective or if there are serious complications, surgery may be necessary to correct the prolapse and prevent further complications.

Timeline

Before surgery:

  1. Patient experiences symptoms of rectal prolapse such as feeling a bulge coming out of the anus, difficulty passing stool, and rectal bleeding.
  2. Patient seeks medical attention and is diagnosed with rectal prolapse through physical examination and possibly imaging tests such as a colonoscopy.
  3. Patient and healthcare team discuss treatment options, including surgical intervention.
  4. Patient undergoes pre-operative assessments and preparation for surgery.

After surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes the perineal rectosigmoidectomy (Altemeier repair) procedure to correct the rectal prolapse.
  2. Patient is closely monitored in the hospital for any complications post-surgery.
  3. Patient may experience pain, swelling, and discomfort in the rectal area post-surgery.
  4. Patient is advised to follow a specific diet and activity restrictions to aid in the healing process.
  5. Patient is scheduled for follow-up appointments with their healthcare provider to monitor their recovery progress.
  6. Patient gradually resumes normal activities and experiences improvement in their symptoms of rectal prolapse.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the possible risks and complications associated with rectal prolapse surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery period and what can I expect during the recovery process?
  3. Will I need to make any lifestyle changes or follow a specific diet after the surgery?
  4. What is the success rate of the surgical procedure for rectal prolapse?
  5. Are there any alternative treatment options available for rectal prolapse?
  6. How long will I need to stay in the hospital after the surgery?
  7. Will I experience any changes in bowel movements or urinary function after the surgery?
  8. What kind of follow-up care will be needed after the surgery?
  9. Are there any long-term effects or complications I should be aware of after the surgery?
  10. How soon can I return to normal activities and work after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Bayar R, Djebbi A, Mzoughi Z, Talbi G, Gharbi L, Arfa N, Mestiri H, Khalfallah MT. Journal: Pan Afr Med J. 2016 Oct 3;25:60. doi: 10.11604/pamj.2016.25.60.10721. eCollection 2016. PMID: 28250884