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Rectal prolapse

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The rectum is a muscular tube about 5 in. (12.7 cm) long that connects the large intestine (colon) to the anus. The rectum normally remains inside the body. In rectal prolapse, loose tissue near the end of the large intestine (rectum) slides downward and may protrude from the anus.

Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD
- Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer C. Dale Mercer, MD, FRCSC, FACS
- General Surgery
Last Updated August 9, 2007

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: August 09, 2007
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