Rectal prolapse is a condition in which the rectum loses its normal support and may slip downward or protrude through the anus. Patients often have questions about what rectal prolapse is, what it feels like, whether it can be treated without surgery, and when symptoms require urgent evaluation.
This section answers common questions about rectal prolapse, including its symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment options, and recovery after surgery. Understanding these issues can help patients recognize the condition earlier and know when specialist evaluation is appropriate.
Dr. Aisha Akhtar is a board-certified colorectal surgeon serving patients in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Glendale, Arizona. She specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of rectal prolapse and other colorectal conditions using modern diagnostic and surgical approaches.
Browse frequently asked questions about rectal-prolapse.
Adult full-thickness rectal prolapse usually does not heal on its own. Learn why symptoms may come and go, what self-care can help, and when to seek treatment.
Rectal prolapse is not always an emergency. Learn which warning signs—trapped or dark tissue, severe pain, swelling, or heavy bleeding—require urgent care.
Learn what recovery after rectal prolapse surgery may involve, including pain, bowel changes, activity limits, warning signs, and recurrence risk.
Nonsurgical care can improve constipation, straining, and irritation but usually cannot repair adult full-thickness rectal prolapse. Learn what may help.
Compare rectal prolapse and hemorrhoids by appearance, symptoms, tissue pattern, bowel problems, and treatment. Learn why an examination is often needed.
Learn how constipation, straining, pelvic-floor weakness, childbirth, aging, diarrhea, and other factors may contribute to rectal prolapse.
Rectal prolapse may feel like a bulge, pressure, incomplete emptying, mucus leakage, or tissue slipping out. Learn which symptoms need an examination.
Rectal prolapse may look like a red or pink circular protrusion with concentric folds. Compare visual clues with hemorrhoids and learn when to seek care.
Learn which signs suggest rectal prolapse surgery should be discussed, when treatment is elective, and which symptoms require urgent evaluation.
Dr. Aisha Akhtar, MD provides expert evaluation and treatment of rectal prolapse, including assessment of associated constipation, pelvic floor dysfunction, and fecal incontinence. She offers individualized care ranging from symptom-directed conservative management to advanced surgical repair when indicated.
“ The whole office was wonderful. Dr Akhtar was excellent. She was thorough. She explained things extremely well. She answered all my questions. I... The whole office was wonderful. Dr Akhtar was excellent. She was thorough. She explained things extremely well. She answered all my questions. I never felt like she was rushing my exam. ”
“ Dr. Akhtar and the entire team made what could have been a very stressful experience feel comfortable, reassuring, and genuinely cared for from sta... Dr. Akhtar and the entire team made what could have been a very stressful experience feel comfortable, reassuring, and genuinely cared for from start to finish. Dr. Akhtar was professional, compassionate, and took the time to thoroughly explain everything before my procedure, which immediately put me at ease. The procedure itself went smoothly, and I truly felt I was in excellent hands the entire time. The office staff was also kind, organized, and attentive throughout the process. I’m incredibly grateful for the level of care, patience, and professionalism I received. I would absolutely recommend Dr. Akhtar to anyone looking for a skilled doctor who truly cares about their patients and their comfort. ”
“ I cannot express the how thankful I am for Dr. Akhtar. I had been to 4 other colorectal doctors, 3 gastro doctors before seeing Dr. Akhtar. I was c... I cannot express the how thankful I am for Dr. Akhtar. I had been to 4 other colorectal doctors, 3 gastro doctors before seeing Dr. Akhtar. I was crying in her office when she met me the first time. That didn't deter her. Not only that but she located the issue on my first visit. She is kind, caring, thorough and incredibly knowledgeable. She listens, spends time with you and doesn't talk over you. I've needed extra time to discuss my case many times and she has always taken the time that I needed. I've brought to her research I've read, and she always already knows about the publications. The staff are kind and helpful. I dont know what I would have done without finding her. Another health care provider recommended her highly as do I. ”
“ Best colorectal surgeon I’ve ever met. Dr. Akhtar is compassionate, gentle, warm, and caring. I came to her in Glendale after having a horrific exp... Best colorectal surgeon I’ve ever met. Dr. Akhtar is compassionate, gentle, warm, and caring. I came to her in Glendale after having a horrific experience with a general surgeon in Flagstaff (where I live). The Flagstaff surgeon caused a hemorrhage that almost cost me my life, and then I developed stenosis after the emergency room surgeon “fixed” the hemorrhage. Dr. Akhtar was kind enough to take me as a patient (most surgeons will not take a patient who has already been operated by another surgeon due to liability). She was very respectful and gentle in the examination, and was even able to fit me in for an outpatient procedure under sedation the very same day (knowing that I drove over 2 hours to see her). I could not be happier with her. She took the time to personally call me the next day to check on my progress. You do not see this type of doctor very often anymore. She is someone who is in it for the patient, and you can tell. I will continue to drive over 4 hours there and back to receive her high quality care and expertise. Cannot recommend her highly enough. ”
“ Dr. Akhtar is THE BEST provider I have ever seen, period. She is incredibly knowledgeable, informative, and above all so kind. I have not met... Dr. Akhtar is THE BEST provider I have ever seen, period. She is incredibly knowledgeable, informative, and above all so kind. I have not met many people who have as comforting a bedside manner as she does. I was educated properly every step of the way and felt confident doing so because of her caring demeanor. Her PA Moses is also so friendly and upbeat, helping to ease any tension you may be feeling prior to the exam. The energy both Dr. Akhtar and Moses bring was paramount to how excellent my experience was here. Given their specialty, it would be easy to have an uncomfortable experience. However, they go the extra mile to make sure you are comfortable and reassured before anything is done. I cannot recommend this practice enough. Thank you Dr. Akhtar for the genuine concern and care you provided to me! Both my body and my outlook on my health outcomes are better off because of you. ”
“ Amazing staff and Doctor. So caring and make you feel welcome ”
“ Dr Akhtar has a wonderful bedside manner, explains everything thoroughly and is an exceptionally skilled surgeon. We love her. :) ”
“ Friendly office and excellent doctor ”
“ Dr. Aktar was highly recommended by my primary care physician as being a good fit for me. We covered much during this initial visit and all set for... Dr. Aktar was highly recommended by my primary care physician as being a good fit for me. We covered much during this initial visit and all set for a colonoscopy next month. ”
“ Very professional & kind ! ”
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