Rectal prolapse and surgery for faecal incontinence

Rectal prolapse and faecal incontinence are relatively common conditions that present to the colorectal and pelvic floor clinics. Both can be complex to treat given they are often multifactorial in origin and tend to present in elderly comorbid patients. Treatment often involves significant patient or family participation, particularly for faecal incontinence, and therefore patients and their families need to understand the risks and benefits of all treatment options available to them. This article outlines the currently available surgical interventions for rectal prolapse and faecal incontinence to allow the surgical trainee to begin these conversations in the clinic.