Rectal prolapse: Diagnostic and therapeutic management in the visceral surgery department of the Donka National Hospital, University Hospital Centre in Conakry

Introduction: Rectal prolapse (RP) is a disorder of the rectum's statics, resulting in its externalisation through the anus. It is the protrusion of the rectum through the anus [1]. The progression may remain limited to the rectal ampulla (internal RP), extend into the anal canal, or protrude externally (external RP) [2]. There are two types of rectal prolapse. Mucosal prolapse is the permanent or exertion-induced protrusion of the mucosal layer of the anal canal through the anus [3], and total or complete prolapse is the protrusion of all the layers of the anal canal (mucosal, muscular and serosal) through the anus [3]. Long considered a rare condition, rectal prolapse is becoming increasingly common, with an estimated incidence of 1/1000 in the global population and varies from region to region [4].

Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive study covering a five-year period from 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2020. It included all patient records for patients diagnosed with rectal prolapse who underwent surgical treatment during the study period. Any incomplete records were excluded from the study. Recruitment was exhaustive and included all patient records admitted to the department for rectal prolapse during the study period.

Results: total records N=2000, rectal prolapse N= 22(1.1%) Others N=1978(98.9%) . The average age was 56 years, with extremes of 2 and 78 years. Gender: Female 11 (50.00%), Male 11 (50.00%), Sex ratio M/F=1.

Conclusion: The outcome was favourable in the majority of cases. Early diagnosis and management can improve the prognosis for patients suffering from rectal prolapse.