Procidentia: The etiology of rectal procidentia

Summary

Rectal procidentia is a complex problem caused by a breakdown of one or more of the components which maintain the rectum in its normal position. It may be caused by increased pressures applied to the pelvic floor, by a defect in the support mechanism, or by a combination of the two. The deficiencies vary, and they may be either acquired or congenital.

It is quite likely that rectal procidentia is most often due to a combination of both increased stress and a weakness of one or more components which stabilize the rectum.

In choosing an operation for rectal procidentia for a good-risk patient, it is logical to design a procedure which will correct the principal abnormality found in that patient, rather than to use one procedure for all patients, regardless of the findings.