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ABC Medical Center > Small bowel prolapse

What is Small bowel prolapse?

21:56 - 4 May , 2021

Disease

It is a condition in which the muscles and ligaments that hold the small intestine in position are stretched or weakened, causing it to fall into the lower pelvic cavity and push against the back of the vagina forming a lump.

Generally, women with small bowel prolapse also have prolapse of other organs located in the pelvic cavity, such as the bladder, uterus, or rectum.

Prolapse of the small intestine is also known as enterocele. Among the causes that may favor its appearance are the following:

  • Family background.
  • Bronchiolitis.
  • Weakness in the pelvic connective tissues due to genetic reasons.
  • Pregnancy.
  • Vaginal birth.
  • Aging.
  • Chronic constipation.
  • Hysterectomy or other pelvic surgery.
  • Lift heavy objects daily.
  • Marfan syndrome.
  • Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
  • Overweight or obesity.
  • Smoking.

Signs and symptoms Small bowel prolapse

  • Pain in the lower back or a pulling sensation in the pelvis that improves when lying down.
  • Discomfort during sex.
  • Tightness and heaviness in the pelvis.
  • Problems with bowel movement.
  • Lump in the vagina.
  • Vaginal discharge and bleeding.
  • Tension in the pelvis.

Diagnosis and treatment Small bowel prolapse

After analyzing your symptoms and clinical history, the doctor will perform a physical examination, a pelvic examination, and, if deemed necessary, a defecography.

Typically, small bowel prolapse does not require treatment unless it is serious, but it does require frequent medical check-ups, incorporating healthy habits and dietary changes.

If you have an advanced prolapse, you may require surgery to repair stretched or torn vaginal tissues, and medications.

The following is recommended to prevent a small bowel prolapse:

  • Drink more water and eat high-fiber foods.
  • Stop smoking.
  • Avoid lifting heavy objects.
  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Avoid forcing the intestine to evacuate.
  • Don’t put pressure on your abdomen.
  • Perform Kegel exercises to strengthen your pelvic muscles.
  • Sit with your legs elevated.

Comprehensive women’s health is our priority at the Women’s Center, so we offer services focused on women in all their chronological stages with the highest standards of care to improve their quality of life, through a wide range of prevention, diagnosis, timely treatment, and follow-up services.

Related centers and departments

Women’s Center
Radiology and Molecular Imaging
Clinical Laboratory

Fuentes:

  • middlesexhealth.org
  • cun.es
  • stanfordchildrens.org
  • mayoclinic.org
  • topdoctors.es
  • medlineplus.gov
  • msdmanuals.com
  • medigraphic.com

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