At Southern California Multi-Specialty Center (SCMSC), we understand how distressing rectal prolapse can be. This condition characterized by the rectum slipping through the anus often leads to discomfort, embarrassment, and frustration, impacting your daily life. Our team, led by rectal prolapse specialist Dr. David Wang, provides comprehensive care in Los Angeles, using cutting-edge minimally invasive surgery techniques like robotic surgery to restore your quality of life. We’re here to guide you from diagnosis to recovery with expertise and compassion.
Caption here about rectal prolapse.
What Is Rectal Prolapse?
Rectal prolapse occurs when the rectum slips out of its normal position, sometimes forming a visible red mass outside the anal opening. This can cause several symptoms, including mucus or stool leakage, anal itching, pelvic pressure, or difficulty with bowel movements. Unlike hemorrhoids, which are swollen veins, rectal prolapse involves the rectal tissues protruding through the anus. It’s often linked to pelvic floor dysfunction, where weakened pelvic floor muscles fail to support the large intestine.
Several factors increase the risk of rectal prolapse, such as:
- Chronic constipation or diarrhea, straining the digestive tract
- Aging, which weakens pelvic floor muscles
- Being a woman over 50, as it’s more common in this group
- Conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis), cystic fibrosis, or spinal cord injury
- Familial adenomatous polyposis, a genetic condition affecting the entire colon
We know these symptoms of rectal prolapse can feel overwhelming, but our colorectal surgeons are here to help you regain control.
How Is Rectal Prolapse Diagnosed?
Rectal prolapse diagnosed at SCMSC involves a thorough evaluation by our prolapse specialist, Dr. David Wang. We begin with a detailed medical history review and physical examination, focusing on your bowel function and pelvic floor. In some cases, we may ask you to simulate a bowel movement on a commode to observe the prolapse. Advanced diagnostic techniques, like X-rays or MRI, may be used to assess severity, especially if we suspect complications like rectal cancer, colon cancer, or intestinal obstruction.
Dr. Wang personally oversees every step, ensuring a precise diagnosis tailored to your needs. This hands-on approach sets us apart, as we prioritize your comfort and dignity throughout the process.
Rectal Prolapse Treatment Options
Non-Surgical Interventions
For mild cases, we may recommend lifestyle modifications to prevent rectal prolapse from worsening:
- Dietary changes: Adding fiber supplements or increasing water intake to ease chronic constipation.
- Pelvic floor exercises: Strengthening the pelvic floor to improve support.
- Stool softeners: Reducing strain during bowel movements.
These conservative methods can help manage fecal incontinence or discomfort, but if symptoms persist, surgical intervention may be necessary.
Advanced Surgical Solutions
SCMSC is a leader in colorectal surgery, offering minimally invasive procedures that reduce recovery time and complications compared to traditional surgery. Our options include:
- Rectopexy: A procedure to reattach the rectum to its original position, often using a small incision in the abdomen.
- Robotic surgery: Using the da Vinci system, we perform precise rectal prolapse surgery with minimal damage to healthy tissues.
- Laparoscopic surgery: A minimally invasive approach with small incisions for faster healing.
- Resection: In severe cases, we may remove part of the rectum to strengthen support.
Our robotic surgery expertise, led by Dr. Wang, ensures unparalleled accuracy, especially in the narrow pelvis. This means less pain, smaller scars, and a quicker return to normal bowel function. Unlike some practices, we offer both abdominal and perineal approaches, tailoring the method to your health and prolapse severity.
Why Choose SCMSC for Rectal Prolapse Care?
As one of the top surgical centers in the U.S. for robotic surgery, SCMSC combines advanced technology with personalized care. Here’s why Los Angeles residents trust us:
- Expert Leadership: Dr. David Wang, a board-certified colorectal surgeon with fellowship training from USC/Keck, oversees your care from start to finish. His expertise in minimally invasive surgery ensures optimal outcomes.
- Comprehensive Support: We guide you through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery, addressing concerns like anal bleeding, anal fissure, or pelvic floor dysfunction.
- Patient-Centered Approach: We prioritize your comfort, offering ongoing support to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
- State-of-the-Art Facility: Our Los Angeles center is equipped for minimally invasive procedures, ensuring safety and precision.
We also treat related conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and familial adenomatous polyposis, providing holistic care for your intestinal tract.
Practical Tips for Managing Rectal Prolapse
While awaiting treatment, you can take steps to ease discomfort:
- Avoid heavy lifting to reduce pelvic pressure.
- Stay hydrated and eat fiber-rich foods to prevent chronic constipation.
- Practice gentle pelvic floor exercises (consult us first to ensure safety).
- Keep the anal opening clean to avoid irritation or anal itching.
These tips, combined with our expert care, can help you manage symptoms of rectal prolapse until we develop your personalized plan.
Rectal Prolapse Q&A
Caption here about rectal prolapse.
Who Is at Risk for Getting Rectal Prolapse?
Risk factors for rectal prolapse include chronic constipation, aging, and being a woman over 50, as pelvic floor muscles weaken over time. Conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, cystic fibrosis, or spinal cord injury also increase the likelihood, as can familial adenomatous polyposis. At SCMSC, our colorectal surgeons, led by Dr. David Wang, assess your unique risk factors to create a tailored plan, whether you’re dealing with pelvic pressure or bowel movement challenges.
Can Rectal Prolapse Heal on Its Own?
In mild cases, especially in children, rectal prolapse may improve with dietary changes or stool softeners to reduce straining. For adults, however, it rarely resolves without intervention, as the rectum slips due to weakened pelvic floor muscles. At SCMSC, we offer minimally invasive procedures like laparoscopic surgery to address persistent prolapse, ensuring long-term relief for Los Angeles patients.
How Long Is Recovery After Rectal Prolapse Surgery?
Recovery varies by procedure. Minimally invasive surgery, like robotic surgery at SCMSC, typically allows a return to normal activities in 2-4 weeks, with less pain and smaller scars. Abdominal approaches may take 4-6 weeks. Dr. Wang and our team provide personalized post-operative care to support your bowel function and daily life during recovery.
Is Rectal Prolapse the Same as a Hernia?
No, rectal prolapse involves the rectum protruding through the anus due to pelvic floor dysfunction, while a hernia occurs when tissue pushes through a weak spot elsewhere, like the abdomen. Both can cause discomfort, but our colorectal specialists at SCMSC use advanced diagnostics to distinguish them, ensuring precise treatment for conditions like anal bleeding or intestinal obstruction.
Take the First Step Toward Relief
Don’t let rectal prolapse disrupt your life. At SCMSC, our colorectal surgeons are ready to provide the rectal prolapse treatment personalized for your needs so you need to feel like yourself again. Call us today at (818) 900-6480 to schedule a consultation with Dr. David Wang in Los Angeles. Let us partner with you for a healthier, more comfortable future.
