Rectal Prolapse—Classification and Causation—

Abstract

This paper discussed the classification and the mechanisms of rectal prolapse.
There are literaturely many classifications in rectal prolapse, and that of Tuttle's and Bearh's are quoted. But the classification, which is ' complete ' or ' imcomplate ', is recommended, because it is very simple and clinically useful.
Many causations and inducements in developing rectal prolapse have been reported, but the true etiology has not been clarified. Each of the etiological factors may partici-pate in prolapse in various degree. At present the following are looked on as causes of prolapse ; bowel intussusception, sliding hernia (Ripstein, Lanter (1963) and Moschowitz (1912)), lack of the normal fixation of the rectum to its bed, and atonic condition of the musculature of the pelvic floor and anal canal.
It is clearly recognized, that the increase of intraabdominal pressure is also one of the causes of prolapse when its pathogenesis is thought in association with abdominoplasty (Maki, 1975).