Rectal prolapse involves the intussusception of the rectum. Several types of prolapse may occur, depending on the location, appearance and layers of the bowel wall involved.
A complete prolapse (procidentia) involves all layers of the bowel wall.
Type of Prolapse |
Prolapsed Layers of Bowel |
Length of Protrusion Beyond the Anal Verge |
Appearance |
mucosal prolapse |
mucosa only |
<= 2 cm |
radial folds at junction with anal skin |
complete prolapse, third degree |
full thickness |
does not pass through anus (occult, concealed, internal) |
not visible |
complete prolapse, second degree |
full thickness; does not involve the mucocutaneous junction |
2- 5 cm |
circular folds early; edema may result in loss of folds |
complete prolapse, first degree |
full thickness; involves the mucocutaneous junction |
>= 5 cm |
circular folds early; edema may result in loss of folds |
(from Table 1, page 66).
Specialty: Gastroenterology, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Surgery, general