Rectal Prolapse Treatment in Seomyeon, Busan

Rectal prolapse treatment repairs the rectum when it slides out through the anus (직장 탈출), causing a protruding mass, mucus, bleeding or leakage. In Seomyeon, Busan, colorectal clinics confirm prolapse by examination while straining and arrange tests, then usually recommend surgery: laparoscopic rectopexy through the abdomen or a perineal repair from below, depending on age and health.

Independent patient guide · Medically informative, not a substitute for a doctor's advice · Last reviewed:

What is rectal prolapse?

Rectal prolapse occurs when the rectum loses its normal attachments and telescopes out through the anus. It may first appear only during bowel movements and later come out with standing or coughing. It differs from prolapsed hemorrhoids, which involve only the cushions of the anal canal; a full rectal prolapse shows concentric rings of folded tissue. Weakness of the pelvic floor, chronic constipation and straining, previous childbirth and ageing contribute.

Symptoms and when to see a doctor

• A reddish mass protruding from the anus, especially after bowel movements
• Mucus or blood on underwear
• Leakage of stool or difficulty controlling gas
• A feeling of incomplete emptying or needing to push tissue back

Go to an emergency department or call 119 if the prolapse cannot be pushed back, becomes very painful, or turns dark or purple, which can mean compromised blood supply.

What happens at the clinic

1. History: bowel habits, continence, straining and previous pelvic surgery or childbirth.
2. Examination: sometimes sitting on a commode and straining so the surgeon can see the prolapse.
3. Colonoscopy: to exclude other problems in the bowel.
4. Further tests: defecography, anal manometry or pelvic floor assessment in selected cases.
5. Surgical planning: abdominal versus perineal approach, considering your age, health and bowel function.

Treatment outlook

Mild internal prolapse can sometimes be managed with fibre, stool softeners and pelvic floor therapy. Full-thickness prolapse usually requires surgery. Laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy or suture rectopexy fixes the rectum to the sacrum through small abdominal incisions and has lower recurrence. Perineal procedures, such as the Delorme or Altemeier operation, are performed from below and are gentler for frail patients, though recurrence is higher. Continence often improves after repair, but not always fully.

Risks and side effects

Risks depend on the approach and include bleeding, infection, constipation or changes in bowel habits, mesh-related complications, sexual function changes and recurrence. Anesthesia risk is considered carefully in older patients.

Choosing a clinic for rectal prolapse treatment in Seomyeon

• Ask whether the surgeon performs both abdominal (laparoscopic) and perineal repairs.
• Ask about expected recurrence and bowel function outcomes for your chosen operation.
• Ask whether pelvic floor physiotherapy is included before and after surgery.
• Clarify hospital stay length and where surgery takes place.
• Ensure colonoscopy is arranged beforehand.

For families

Older relatives may need help with travel to appointments. Seomyeon Station on Lines 1 and 2 has easy connections from across Busan.

Key facts

• What it is: full-thickness rectal wall protruding through the anus
• Common in: older women, people with chronic straining, some young children
• Diagnosis: exam while straining, colonoscopy, sometimes defecography and anal physiology tests
• Surgery: laparoscopic rectopexy (abdominal) or perineal procedures (Delorme, Altemeier)
• Anesthesia: general for abdominal; spinal or general for perineal
• Hospital stay: typically a few days
• Urgent: a prolapse that cannot be pushed back or turns dark needs emergency care

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if it is rectal prolapse or hemorrhoids?

Prolapsed hemorrhoids look like separate lumps, while rectal prolapse often shows concentric rings of red tissue and can be larger. A colorectal surgeon can distinguish them quickly.

Can rectal prolapse be treated without surgery?

Mild or internal prolapse may improve with fibre, avoiding straining and pelvic floor therapy. Full-thickness external prolapse usually needs surgery for lasting correction.

What is laparoscopic rectopexy?

It is keyhole surgery through small abdominal incisions to lift the rectum and fix it in place, sometimes with mesh. It generally has lower recurrence than perineal repairs.

How long is recovery from rectal prolapse surgery?

Hospital stays are commonly a few days. Most people resume light activity within a couple of weeks and avoid heavy lifting for about six weeks.

Will surgery fix bowel leakage?

Continence often improves after repair, but some people continue to have leakage and benefit from pelvic floor therapy or further treatment.

Related treatments in Seomyeon

• Fecal Incontinence Treatment in Seomyeon
• Hemorrhoid Surgery in Seomyeon
• Chronic Constipation Treatment in Seomyeon
• Pelvic Floor Therapy in Seomyeon
• Colonoscopy in Seomyeon
• All Colorectal & Proctology in Seomyeon

Medical disclaimer: Seomyeon.Clinic is an independent information directory. Content is for general education and does not replace a consultation with a licensed physician. Suitability, risks, results and costs vary by person and clinic. In an emergency in Korea, call 119.