Medication Summary
There is no specific medical treatment for rectal prolapse. Stool softeners can be used to help decrease bowel movement straining caused by constipation.
Stool softeners
Class Summary
In addition to dietary modification, stool softeners help to decrease bowel movement straining secondary to constipation.
Polyethylene glycol solution (Miralax, Dulcolax Balance)
Polyethylene glycol is an osmotic stool softener used for treatment of occasional constipation. In theory, there is less risk of dehydration or electrolyte imbalance with isotonic polyethylene glycol than with hypertonic sugar solutions. A laxative effect is generated because polyethylene glycol is not absorbed and continues to hold water by osmotic action through the small bowel and colon, resulting in mechanical cleansing.
Polyethylene glycol is supplied with a measuring cap marked to contain 17 g of laxative powder when filled to the indicated line. It may require 2-4 days (48-96 hours) to produce bowel movement.
Mineral oil (Kondremul, Fleet Mineral Oil Enema)
Mineral oil lubricates the intestine and facilitates the passage of stool by decreasing water absorption from the intestine.
Lactulose (Enulose, Generlac, Kristalose, Constulose)
Lactulose is an osmotic agent and ammonium detoxifying agent. It produces an osmotic effect in the colon that results in distention and promotes peristalsis.
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Rectal prolapse.
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Full-thickness rectal prolapse.
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Marlex rectopexy for rectal prolapse.
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Delorme mucosal sleeve resection for rectal prolapse.
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Altemeier perineal rectosigmoidectomy for rectal prolapse.
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Perineal rectosigmoidectomy for rectal prolapse. Procedure performed by Tracy Arnell, MD, ColumbiaDoctors, New York, NY. Video courtesy of ColumbiaDoctors (https://www.columbiadoctors.org).