Internal Rectal Prolapse
Internal rectal prolapse (IRP), also known as internal rectal prolapse or internal procidentia, accounts for a proportion of cases clinically classified as grade I rectal prolapse, alongside rectal mucosal prolapse. Mucosal prolapse most commonly occurs in the middle and upper parts of the anterior rectal wall. It is a type of defecatory disorder and is also known as internal rectal intussusception (internal proctoptosis) or occult rectal prolapse. Clinically, it is classified as “rectal prolapse” based on positive examination findings, but as “constipation” based on its clinical presentation. There is no specific name for internal rectal prolapse in TCM literature; based on the distinct characteristics of its clinical symptoms and signs, it is included under “rectal prolapse” in TCM literature.
TCM Pattern Identification and Medication Reference
|Common Symptoms
Clinical description:
Difficulty passing stool, a feeling of incomplete evacuation and a sensation of anal blockage, with greater straining making the blockage feel worse; a sallow complexion, fatigue, thin build, shortness of breath, reluctance to speak and weakness; a pale-red, enlarged tongue with teeth marks along the edges, scant coating and a weak pulse.
In plain language:
- Difficulty having a bowel movement, with a persistent feeling of incomplete evacuation and a sensation that the anus is blocked. The harder you strain, the more blocked it may feel and the harder it may be to pass stool.
- A yellowish complexion and general fatigue or lack of energy.
- A thin or slight build.
- Shortness of breath and a weak voice, with little desire to talk.
- A tendency to feel weak and lacking in energy.
- A pale-red tongue that appears enlarged, with tooth marks along its edges.
- Very little visible coating on the tongue.
- A weak-feeling pulse.
|Treatment approach
Clinical description:
Tonify qi and raise clear yang; lift and secure.
In plain language:
- Support the body’s qi and promote the upward movement of clear yang, with the aim of supporting mental clarity and digestive function and easing feelings such as fatigue, poor appetite and drowsiness.
- Lift and secure qi that has become sunken, helping to address symptoms described as “not being able to hold or retain,” such as rectal prolapse, chronic diarrhea, prolonged vaginal discharge, excessive sweating and shortness of breath.
|Related products
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|Common Symptoms
Clinical description:
A feeling of heaviness and distension in the anus, with anal redness, swelling and pain; dry mouth and bad breath; abdominal distension and constipation; scant, dark urine; thirst and a desire to drink; a flushed face and red lips; a red tongue with a yellow, greasy or dry coating; and a soggy, rapid pulse.
In plain language:
- A feeling of heaviness and pressure around the anus.
- Redness and swelling around the anus, with pain that may make sitting or standing uncomfortable.
- Marked dryness of the mouth and noticeable bad breath.
- Abdominal fullness and bloating, with hard stools that are difficult to pass.
- Small amounts of dark yellow urine.
- Marked thirst and a preference for drinking water.
- A flushed face and noticeably red lips.
- A tongue that appears red.
- A yellow, thick, greasy coating on the tongue, or a yellow, dry coating.
- A pulse that feels soft and relatively fast.
|Treatment approach
Clinical description:
Clear heat and drain fire; regulate qi and promote the removal of dampness.
In plain language:
- Reduce excessive heat and fire in the body, easing discomfort such as feverishness, dry mouth, restlessness, redness, swelling and burning sensations.
- Promote the smooth movement of qi to ease feelings of stagnation, including bloating, chest discomfort, belching and difficulty passing stool.
- Promote the elimination of dampness and turbidity, addressing symptoms such as a heavy, sticky feeling, swelling or excessive discharge.
|Related products
The products below are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Follow the product packaging and instructions, and use under the guidance of a physician or pharmacist.
|Common Symptoms
Clinical description:
A feeling of heaviness and distension in the anus, anal laxity, difficulty passing stool and a feeling of incomplete evacuation; soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees; a pale complexion and fatigue; reduced hearing; frequent urination or increased nighttime urination; a pale tongue with a white coating; and a deep, weak pulse.
In plain language:
- A feeling of heaviness and pressure around the anus.
- A feeling that the anus is lax and does not close firmly.
- Difficulty having a bowel movement, with a persistent feeling that the bowel has not emptied completely.
- Soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees.
- A pale complexion and fatigue or lack of energy.
- Reduced hearing or difficulty hearing clearly.
- Frequent urination or needing to get up often at night to urinate.
- A pale tongue with a white coating.
- A pulse that feels deep and weak.
|Treatment approach
Clinical description:
Tonify kidney qi and support its securing function.
In plain language:
- Support the “driving force” associated with the kidneys in TCM and strengthen the underlying constitution, with the aim of supporting stamina and easing cold sensitivity and fatigue.
- Support the body’s ability to retain what should be held in, addressing symptoms described as leakage or downward sinking, such as frequent urination, chronic diarrhea, excessive sweating, seminal emission or rectal prolapse.
|Related products
The products below are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Follow the product packaging and instructions, and use under the guidance of a physician or pharmacist.
|Common Symptoms
Clinical description:
Difficulty passing stool and ineffective straining, accompanied by a pale or sallow complexion, shortness of breath and reluctance to speak, dizziness and blurred vision, palpitations, forgetfulness or insomnia; a pale tongue and a fine, weak pulse.
In plain language:
- Difficulty passing stool, with little strength when straining and considerable effort required.
- A pale or yellowish complexion and an unhealthy-looking color.
- A tendency to become short of breath, speak little and lack energy.
- Dizziness and blurred vision or a feeling that things are swaying.
- Palpitations or a feeling of an unsettled heartbeat, together with forgetfulness or insomnia.
- A pale-looking tongue.
- A fine, weak pulse.
|Treatment approach
Clinical description:
Tonify qi and nourish blood; warm and moisten the large intestine.
In plain language:
- Support qi and blood to help support energy and vitality and address discomfort such as a poor complexion, fatigue, palpitations and dizziness.
- Gently warm and moisten the intestines to soften hard, dry stools, support easier bowel movements and ease pain during defecation.
|Related products
The products below are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Follow the product packaging and instructions, and use under the guidance of a physician or pharmacist.
References
- Wang Hui. A comparative study of electronic rectosigmoidoscopy and X-ray defecography for diagnosing rectal mucosal intussusception [D]. Xianyang: Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, 2015.
- Wang Xiaofeng. Diagnosis of internal rectal prolapse [J]. Journal of Colorectal & Anal Surgery, 2007, 13(2): 133–134.
- Xia Suisheng. Modern Abdominal Surgery [M]. Wuhan: Hubei Science and Technology Press, 2007.