Rectal prolapse is the full protrusion of the rectum through the anal opening. Patients will typically notice a bulging of tissue from the anus and may also experience stool leakage or fecal incontinence. The prolapse usually occurs with a bowel movement but may occur with other maneuvers that require bearing down like weight lifting or squatting. True rectal prolapse fortunately is not very common but if it occurs, it usually requires surgical correction. There are several surgical approaches and the recommended surgery will depend on the degree of prolapse and the patient’s overall health, previous surgeries, and medical conditions. The providers at Piedmont Colorectal Associates can help to determine which surgical approach is best for each patient.