Abstract
A 65-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital for melena and prolapse of the rectum. Blood tests revealed severe anemia. She often suffered severe protrusion of the rectum during and after defecation. Colonoscopy revealed swelling of the rectal mucosa, redness, and a polypoid elevation located 5-15 cm from the anal verge. Mucosal prolapse syndrome (MPS) was diagnosed on the basis of histological features of the endoscopically resected specimen and clinical findings. MPS of rectum is usually treated conservatively by educating the patient concerning bowel habits to avoid straining and by preventing constipation with laxatives. In this case, however, the rectal prolapse was severe. Thus, transabdominal proctopexy was performed. The postoperative course was uneventful. For the best results, MPS associated with complete rectal prolapse should be treated surgically.
