There is not much evidence about how well this procedure works or how safe it is for internal rectal prolapse. This procedure can be used but only when patients have regular checks to see how well it is working or if it has caused problems. This is because of the concerns about its serious but infrequent complications.
Internal rectal prolapse is when the lowest part of the bowel (rectum) telescopes in on itself, causing difficulty in emptying the bowel, faecal incontinence or both. In this procedure, a piece of sterile material (mesh) is used to attach the rectum to the lower back bone using keyhole surgery. The aim is to support the rectum in its natural position
NICE’s information on interventional procedures guidance has more about what a procedure is and how we assess them.
Is this procedure right for me?
If you’ve been offered this procedure, your healthcare professionals should discuss with you what is involved, and tell you about the risks and benefits. They should talk with you about your options, and listen carefully to your views and concerns. Your family can be involved too, if you wish. All of this should happen before you agree (consent) to have the procedure. You should also be told how to find more information about the procedure. Read more about making decisions about your care.
Some questions to think about
- What does the procedure involve?
- What are the possible benefits? How likely am I to get them?
- What are the risks or side effects? How likely are they?
- What happens if the procedure doesn’t work or something goes wrong?
- What happens if I don’t want the procedure? Are there other treatments available?
ISBN: 978-1-4731-2981-8
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