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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Is Your Opinion About Having Surgery For Rectal Prolapse At 76 Years Of Age?

I am trying to decide if I should have surgery for my diagnosed rectal prolapse. I am 76 years old in fairly good health, but I do not really want an operation. I have had bowel problems since I was a child. IBS.
I do have a lot of back pain issues which are being treated for chronic pain. I am afraid of infection.
Tue, 18 Feb 2014
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi and welcome to HCM. A rectal prolapse may be partial, involving only the mucosa. Or it may be complete, involving the entire wall of the rectum and is much more common in older people. Most of the times a rectal prolapse needs surgery. Most surgical procedures for rectal prolapse are done under general anesthesia. For older or sicker patients, epidural or spinal anesthesia may be used. There are three basic types of surgery to repair rectal prolapse. Your surgeon will decide which one is best for you. For older adults or those with other medical problems, an approach from below (perineal approach) might be less risky. Your surgeon will operate on you after weighing the benefits against risks involved in conducting the surgery. I advice you to follow your doctors opinion. All the best.

Regards
Dr Santosh
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What Is Your Opinion About Having Surgery For Rectal Prolapse At 76 Years Of Age?

Hi and welcome to HCM. A rectal prolapse may be partial, involving only the mucosa. Or it may be complete, involving the entire wall of the rectum and is much more common in older people. Most of the times a rectal prolapse needs surgery. Most surgical procedures for rectal prolapse are done under general anesthesia. For older or sicker patients, epidural or spinal anesthesia may be used. There are three basic types of surgery to repair rectal prolapse. Your surgeon will decide which one is best for you. For older adults or those with other medical problems, an approach from below (perineal approach) might be less risky. Your surgeon will operate on you after weighing the benefits against risks involved in conducting the surgery. I advice you to follow your doctors opinion. All the best. Regards Dr Santosh