Definition:

This procedure is surgery to repair a rectal prolapse, the protrusion of the rectum (the last part of the colon) through the anus.

Description:

Rectal prolapse may be partial, involving only the mucosa, or complete, involving the entire wall of the rectum. It can occur in children but is much more common in older individuals.

Rectal prolapse in infants often gets better on its own and does not require surgery. Children with myelomeningocele and bladder exstrophy as well as children with cystic fibrosis are particularly at risk. Rarely it can be caused by acute diarrhea or straining to pass stool while constipated.

Rectal prolapse is most common in older individuals with a long history of constipation or weakness of the pelvic floor muscles. It is more common in women, especially those who have had a hysterectomy.

From http://pennhealth.com/ency/article/002932.htm