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Rectal prolapse after oral cathartics.
A M Korkis1, P F Miskovitz, R W Yurt
1Division of Digestive Diseases, New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center, NY 10021-4885.
Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology
|June 1, 1992
Summary
Complete rectal prolapse, a rare condition, may be triggered by oral laxatives used for bowel preparation. This previously unreported complication highlights potential risks associated with routine diagnostic procedures.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Colorectal Surgery
Background:
- Complete rectal prolapse (procidentia) is an uncommon condition with poorly understood causes.
- Bowel preparation using oral cathartics is a common procedure for diagnostic studies.
Observation:
- Two patients developed complete rectal prolapse after ingesting oral cathartics for diagnostic bowel preparation.
- These cases occurred a decade apart, suggesting a potential, albeit rare, link.
Findings:
- This is the first reported instance of cathartic-induced complete rectal prolapse in medical literature.
- The findings suggest oral cathartics may precipitate rectal prolapse in susceptible individuals.
Implications:
- Highlights a potential iatrogenic cause for complete rectal prolapse.
- Underscores the need for careful patient selection and consideration of alternative bowel preparation methods.
- Emphasizes the importance of recognizing and managing this rare complication.