n. a surgical procedure to prevent or treat rectal prolapse. An abdominal rather than a perineal approach is used. The rectum is mobilized into its normal pelvic position and internally fixed to the sacrum and anterior structures using sutures and mesh. Rectopexy may be combined with the removal of a small section of large bowel (resection rectopexy).
n. downward displacement of an organ or tissue from its normal position, usually the result of weakening of the supporting tissues. Prolapse of the uterus and/or vagina is, in most cases, caused by stretching and/or tearing of the supporting tissues during childbirth. The cervix may be visible at the vaginal opening or the uterus and vagina may be completely outside the opening (procidentia). Treatment is by surgical shortening of the supporting ligaments and narrowing of the vagina and vaginal orifice (see colporrhaphy; colpoperineorrhaphy) or by surgical removal of the uterus (vaginal *hysterectomy). In a rectal prolapse, the rectum descends to lie outside the anus; it is surgically treated (see rectopexy).... prolapse
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