Editing Prolapse (section)

===Rectal prolapse===
{{Main|Rectal prolapse}}
Rectal prolapse is a condition in which part of the wall or the entire wall of the rectum falls out of place. Rectal prolapse can be a medical emergency. In some cases, the rectum may protrude.

Symptoms of a rectal prolapse may be:
* Leakage of stool
* Bleeding, anal pain, itching, irritation
* Tissue that protrudes from the rectum

A surgeon may operate through the abdomen to secure part of the large intestine or rectum to the inside of the abdominal cavity ([[rectopexy]]).  Sometimes the surgeon removes the affected part of the intestine.

Surgery also can be done through the perineum (the area between the genitals and the anus) to remove the prolapsing tissue.

Surgery is most often successful for people who still have some control over their bowel movements.  If the anal sphincter is damaged, surgery may correct the prolapse but not be able to completely correct [[fecal incontinence]] (lack of control of bowel movements).  Fecal incontinence can both potentially improve or deteriorate after prolapse surgery.

If the lining has fallen out of the anus and is around 7&nbsp;cm or less, it should eventually retract back inside naturally, though the retraction can take up to four days.