title: Rectal prolapse, rectal intussusception, rectocele, and solitary rectal ulcer syndrome.
abstract: Rectal prolapse can be diagnosed easily by having the patient strain as if to defecate. A laparoscopic rectopexy should be recommended. Intussusception is more an epiphenomenon than a cause of defecatory disorder and should be managed conservatively. Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome is a consequence of chronic straining, and therapy should include restoring a normal defecation habit. Rectocele should be left alone; an operation may be considered if it is larger than 3 cm and is causing profound symptoms despite maximizing medical therapy for the associated defecation disorder.
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital Rotterdam Dijkzigt, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Felt-Bersma
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Cuesta
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007443:Intussusception / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy; D012002:Rectal Diseases / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy; D012005:Rectal Prolapse / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery; D020047:Rectocele / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery; D012007:Rectum / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D013577:Syndrome; D014456:Ulcer / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy