Rectal prolapse surgery Bunbury

Surgery for rectal prolapse: what to expect

Rectal prolapse is when part or all of the rectum (the last part of the bowel) slips out of place and comes out through the anus. This can cause discomfort, difficulty with bowel movements, and sometimes leakage or incontinence.

Rectal prolapse happens when the muscles and tissues that support the rectum become weak. This can allow part of the rectum to drop down or slide out through the anus.

It’s more common in:

Older adults

People with long-term constipation or straining

Women who’ve had multiple childbirths

People with nerve or muscle conditions

Sometimes it can happen without a clear reason.

We usually recommend surgery when the prolapse becomes difficult to manage or starts affecting quality of life. You might be struggling with:

The rectum coming out during bowel movements
A sensation of “something falling out”
Difficulty emptying your bowels properly
Leakage or loss of bowel control

Surgical options: laparoscopic ventral rectopexy

The best operation for rectal prolapse may depend on your individual circumstances. Often, we may recommend laparoscopic ventral rectopexy. This is a minimally invasive (“keyhole”) procedure done through small cuts in the abdomen. It is a widely accepted technique with good outcomes for both external and internal rectal prolapse.

What happens during the surgery?

The rectum is gently lifted back into the correct position
A special mesh is stitched to the front of the rectum
The mesh is then fixed to the sacrum (a strong bone at the base of the spine) to hold everything in place
In some women, the mesh may also support the vaginal wall if there’s a bulge (called a rectocele)

Laparoscopic ventral rectopexy offers several benefits compared with other techniques:

Avoids cutting into the bowel
Less likely to cause constipation after surgery
Lower recurrence rate (around 5% at 5 years)
Faster recovery and return to normal activity
Suitable for a wide range of patients depending on overall health

What type of mesh is used?

There are two types:

Permanent mesh: strong and long-lasting; the most common option
Absorbable mesh: made from animal tissue; may reduce certain risks, but may not last as long

“I will talk through the options and help you decide what’s best for you. In women, the mesh is placed through the abdomen, not the vagina, which avoids issues linked to older types of mesh surgery.”

Dr Xavier Harvey – Surgeon, Member of the Colorectal Surgical Society of Australia and New Zealand

While laparoscopic ventral rectopexy is suitable for many patients, it may not be suitable for those who are very frail or have significant medical conditions. This includes some older adults, particularly those in their 80s or 90s, where the risks of keyhole surgery may outweigh the benefits.

In these cases, procedures such as a Posterior Suture Rectopexy or a Delorme’s operation may be considered. These procedures are easier to tolerate than laparoscopic options.

Each procedure has different advantages and draw-backs and each case is assessed individually to work out what is most suitable.

What are the risks?

All surgery carries some risk. These may include:

Bleeding, infection, or injury to nearby organs
Short-term trouble passing urine
Prolapse or symptoms coming back
Mesh complications (rare; 1–2%), including mesh moving or causing pain

Dr Harvey will explain these risks in detail so you can make an informed decision.

What is recovery like?

Most patients stay in hospital overnight. You’ll go home with mild pain relief and laxatives to help keep your bowels moving gently. We’ll give you clear instructions.

You’ll need to:

Avoid constipation and straining for 4–6 weeks
Avoid heavy lifting during this time
Wait 1–2 weeks before driving, especially if on pain medication
Avoid sex for 4–6 weeks

Rectal prolapse can be frustrating and uncomfortable. The good news is that there’s a safe and effective treatment available here in Bunbury.

At South West Colorectal Surgery, we’ll take the time to understand your situation and find the approach that suits you best.

Have questions or are you ready to schedule your appointment? Contacting us is easy:

Give us a call: Reach out to our friendly team at (08) 9742 1876 to discuss your needs, ask any questions, or book an appointment.

Visiting us? Our map shows where you can find us in Bunbury and Busselton.

South West Colorectal

16 Edward Street
Bunbury WA 6230

South West Colorectal

20 Prince Street
Busselton WA 6280

Rectal prolapse surgery Bunbury

Rectal prolapse causes

What causes rectal prolapse?