Q: Anal prolapse causes

Advanced [haemorrhoids]( ) are a common cause of anal prolapse. But sphincter weakness, pelvic floor weakness and pregnancy can also trigger the condition. Anal prolapse in children and adults can be caused by hard bowel movements or constant diarrhoea.

Q: What are the methods of anal prolapse surgery?

If [haemorrhoids]( ) are the cause of anal prolapse, they should be treated before the prolapse is operated on. One treatment option is to constrict the tissue that has been pushed out. This causes the tissue to die and be excreted along with the rubber band. After successful treatment of the haemorrhoids, the anal prolapse should be re-explored. In the classic operation, the doctor pushes the part of the intestine that has been pushed out back into its original position. There, the bowel is fixed with sutures so that it can no longer slip out. If the sphincter muscle is too badly affected, the fixation may not be enough. In this case, an additional surgical correction of the pelvic floor muscle is necessary.

Q: What home remedies help with anal prolapse?

In the case of anal prolapse caused by [haemorrhoids]( ), home remedies can combat this cause. Here, sitz baths with substances containing tannins such as [witch hazel\]\(/witch hazel/) or oak bark offer quick help. Ointments with witch hazel also help effectively against haemorrhoids. At the same time, substances with tannins promote wound healing after surgery and act against inflammation.

Question 1

Anal prolapse symptoms

Accepted Answer

Unlike many anal diseases, anal and rectal prolapses are not recognisable by severe pain. Instead, symptoms such as:

- pronounced feeling of a foreign body in the anal canal

- Traces of faeces and weeping spots in the pants

- Itching of the skin around the anus

- faecal incontinence

- More frequent traces of blood in rectal prolapses

Question 2

Anal prolapse causes

Accepted Answer

Advanced [haemorrhoids]() are a common cause of anal prolapse. But sphincter weakness, pelvic floor weakness and pregnancy can also trigger the condition. Anal prolapse in children and adults can be caused by hard bowel movements or constant diarrhoea.

Question 3

Anal prolapse treatment

Accepted Answer

Initially, the therapy for anal prolapse aims to push the protruding part of the bowel back again. If the bowel falls out again, sclerotherapy can help. By administering cortisone, the mucous membrane swells and can be pushed back more easily by the sphincter muscle.

Question 4

What are the methods of anal prolapse surgery?

Accepted Answer

If [haemorrhoids]() are the cause of anal prolapse, they should be treated before the prolapse is operated on. One treatment option is to constrict the tissue that has been pushed out. This causes the tissue to die and be excreted along with the rubber band. After successful treatment of the haemorrhoids, the anal prolapse should be re-explored.

In the classic operation, the doctor pushes the part of the intestine that has been pushed out back into its original position. There, the bowel is fixed with sutures so that it can no longer slip out. If the sphincter muscle is too badly affected, the fixation may not be enough. In this case, an additional surgical correction of the pelvic floor muscle is necessary.

Question 5

What home remedies help with anal prolapse?

Accepted Answer

In the case of anal prolapse caused by [haemorrhoids](), home remedies can combat this cause. Here, sitz baths with substances containing tannins such as [witch hazel\]\(/witch hazel/) or oak bark offer quick help. Ointments with witch hazel also help effectively against haemorrhoids. At the same time, substances with tannins promote wound healing after surgery and act against inflammation.

Question 6

What does anal prolapse look like?

Accepted Answer

Anal prolapse may present as a pink or red ring-shaped mass protruding from the anus, especially after defecation. The size can vary depending on how much of the rectum is affected.

Question 7

How is anal prolapse diagnosed?

Accepted Answer

A doctor can often diagnose anal prolapse through a physical examination. However, in some cases, a rectal examination or imaging studies such as a colonoscopy may be needed to confirm the diagnosis and determine the severity of the condition.

Question 8

Can anal prolapse be prevented?

Accepted Answer

There is no absolute guarantee to prevent anal prolapse, but there are measures that can reduce the risk. These include a healthy diet rich in fibre, regular physical activity and avoiding heavy lifting or heavy pressing during bowel movements.

Question 9

Is anal prolapse a serious condition?

Accepted Answer

Anal prolapse can be very uncomfortable and significantly affect the quality of life. In some cases, complications such as bleeding, infection or faecal incontinence can occur. However, with immediate treatment, the long-term effects are usually minor.

Question 10

Is anal prolapse permanent or can it retract on its own?

Accepted Answer

In some cases, a small prolapse may retract on its own, especially if it was caused by a temporary strain such as heavy lifting or pushing hard. However, treatment is usually needed for persistent or recurrent cases.

Question 11

How long does recovery take after surgery for anal prolapse?

Accepted Answer

The recovery time varies depending on the type of surgery and the patient's general health. It can take several weeks to a few months to achieve a full recovery.

Question 12

Are there exercises that can help prevent or treat anal prolapse?

Accepted Answer

Pelvic floor exercises (also known as Kegel exercises) can help strengthen the area and reduce the risk of prolapse. These exercises focus on tensing and relaxing the muscles that support the abdomen. It is important to perform these exercises correctly, so it may be helpful to seek the guidance of a physiotherapist.

Question 13

What factors increase the risk of developing anal prolapse?

Accepted Answer

Factors that increase the risk are age, multiple births, chronic constipation or diarrhoea, heavy pressing during bowel movements, chronic cough (e.g. due to smoking or asthma), heavy lifting and genetic predisposition.

Question 14

Can anal prolapse occur in children?

Accepted Answer

Yes, although it is rare, children can also develop anal prolapse, usually due to constipation and heavy straining during bowel movements. In most cases in children, the prolapse will retract on its own or can be treated with dietary changes and other conservative treatments.

Question 15

Are there different degrees of anal prolapse?

Accepted Answer

Yes, anal prolapse can be classified as internal prolapse, where the rectum falls in on itself but does not exit the anus, and complete or external prolapse, where the rectum or part of it exits through the anus.

Question 16

How long can I wait before seeing a doctor if I suspect anal prolapse?

Accepted Answer

Although anal prolapse may not be an immediate medical emergency, it should still be assessed by a doctor as soon as possible to avoid complications and develop an appropriate treatment plan. If you experience pain, bleeding or discomfort, seek medical help immediately.

Question 17

Are there certain foods I should avoid if I have anal prolapse?

Accepted Answer

A diet rich in fibre can help prevent constipation and reduce pressure on the rectum. It is also important to drink enough fluids. Foods that can cause or worsen constipation, such as certain starchy or sugary foods, should be avoided.

Question 18

Does anal prolapse affect sex life?

Accepted Answer

Anal prolapse can affect your sex life, especially if it causes pain or discomfort. It is important to discuss this issue with your doctor, who may be able to offer you further advice or treatment.

Anal prolapse: symptoms, causes, treatment