How is Internal Rectal Prolapse investigated?

It is important to make sure that it is the internal rectal prolapse that is causing the bowel problem. Most women will require some form of endoscopic examination of the bowel either by flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy to ensure that it is otherwise healthy.

It can be difficult to make the diagnosis in clinic. Sometimes the surgeon is able to see the internal prolapse during a rigid sigmoidoscopy examination.
The most useful test to make a diagnosis of internal prolapse is a video proctogram. This should confirm the diagnosis and also show It is also useful to detect other areas of prolapse such as a rectocele or an enterocele which would require treatment at the same time.

Most patients will also have tests of their sphincter muscle function (anorectal physiology) and an endoanal ultrasound scan to look for any damage to the muscle.
 

What are the next steps?
If you think you have this condition or any of these symptoms
you will need to seek medical advice.
For more information or to make an appointment.
Contact birmingham bowel clinic on 0845 241 7762
or email enquiries@birminghambowelclinic.co.uk
If you have private medical care or wish
to pay to see a consultant.
Take this factsheet along to your own
GP and request a referral to one
of our consultants
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My treatment is ongoing but my wife and I know that the team backing us are the best around and God willing will get us through the tunnel. ”
Dr Nuton Faisal, February 2011