What Are the Causes of Rectal Prolapse?
The term rectal prolapse refers to a condition in which the tissue that lines the rectum drops down into, or protrudes through, the opening of the anus. According to the National Institutes of Health, rectal prolapse most commonly occurs in children under age six and in the elderly. A prolapsed rectum often appears as a reddish-colored mass that extends beyond the anus, most commonly noticed after a bowel movement. Rectal prolapse is more common in certain conditions and requires surgical intervention to repair.
