Solitary Rectal Ulcer Syndrome
What is solitary rectal ulcer syndrome? Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome is not very common. Patients have inflammation and thickening in the rectum sometimes this is associated with an internal rectal prolapse (intusseception). What causes the solitary rectal ulcer syndrome? The causes are uncertain, but a number of factors have been implicated. Excessive straining can […]
Rectocele
What is a rectocele? A rectocele is a type of prolapse. It is a bulge that develops from the lowest part of the front of the rectum into the back wall of the vagina. What causes a rectocele? Rectoceles usually occur as a result of damage to the tissues between the rectum and vagina which […]
Rectal Prolapse
What is a rectal prolapse? A rectal prolapse occurs when the lowest part of the bowel telescopes on itself and protrudes out through the anus. What causes a rectal prolapse? Rectal prolapse usually occurs as a result of pelvic floor weakness. It may be associated with other forms of prolapse in women […]
Obstructed Defaecation
What is obstructed defaecation? Obstructed defaecation simply means having difficulty emptying the bowel. What causes obstructed defaecation? There are two causes of obstructed defaecation, functional causes and physical causes. Sometimes the two can coexist. Functional- in this situation the pelvic floor fails to relax or even tightens when a patient tries to open their bowel. Physical […]
Internal Prolapse Intussception
What is an internal prolapse? An internal rectal prolapse describes the condition where the lowest part of the bowel (rectum) telescopes on itself. This generally happens when an individual is straining to pass stool. What causes an internal prolapse? Internal prolapse probably occurs because of weakness in the tissues supporting the rectum. This may be […]
Enterocele
What is an enterocele or sigmoidocele? An enterocele or sigmoidocele is a type of prolapse or internal hernia. It is a bulge that develops between the vagina in front and the rectum behind. The small intestine (enterocele) or colon (sigmoidocele) pushes downwards between the vagina and rectum causing pressure on each. What causes […]
Constipation
Constipation Constipation may mean different things to different people. Symptoms may include: Passing stools less frequently Passing harder stools Straining to pass stools Feelings of incomplete bowel emptying Pain on passing stools Abdominal discomfort and bloating What causes constipation? Constipation may have a number of causes|: Increasing age Immobility Diet lacking in fibre Insufficient fluid intake Pregnancy […]
Anal Incontinence
Anal Incontinence Anal, or faecal incontinence is the inability to control bowel movements, leading to an unexpected or unpreventable leakage faeces. This can mean an inability to control, solid stools, liquid stools or wind. Anal incontinence affects more women than men. It does however affect both sexes more equally with increasing age. Women can be affected by […]
