Rectal Prolapse of the Colon
Rectal prolapse occurs when the rectum falls from its normal position within the pelvis. A prolapse can range from the entire rectum extending out of the anus, to a portion of the rectal lining protruding, or the rectum starts to drop but does not extend out of the anus. Rectal prolapse is common in older adults with a history of chronic constipation, straining during bowel movements or has a weakness in the pelvic floor muscles. The symptoms of rectal prolapse include the feeling of a bulge or the appearance of a reddish colored mass extending out of the rectum. Fecal incontinence is another symptom and is characterized by leakage of stool, mucous, or blood from the rectum. This occurs as a result of the rectum stretching the anal muscle.