Prolapse when standing or walking

[oldman2008]

I am a 62-year-old male who has always had sedentary jobs and hobbies.  Thirty to forty years ago I occasionally experienced bleeding internal hemorrhoids or painful external hemorrhoids, but that is not my problem now.

Rather, about 20 years ago I began finding that tissue prolapsed during defecation had to be manually replaced by pushing against the toilet seat or the corner of a sink or table.  About 10 years ago I began experiencing such prolapse when standing or walking for extended periods.  Again, pushing that area against the corner of a hard chair or table would push the tissue back in.

About 5 years ago I began to find it necessary to carry a small tube of personal lubricant (e.g., K-Y jelly) to facilitate pushing the tissue back in.  At that time I could stand or walk for 30 minutes before encountering the problem.  Now I can stand or walk only 5 or 10 minutes before needing to push the tissue back in.

But when it is pushed back in I am comfortable and can sit comfortably to work or relax.  So, I still hesitate to seek an operation.  But I am concerned that my time on my feet is limited.  I carry a cane-chair so that I can sit often when shopping in stores.

Would an operation help?  If so, what sort of doctor should I seek?  Or would I be better off to keep doing as I have been for a few more years if possible?  I worry that an operation could make matters worse, since I am very comfortable now 99% of the time.  Thank you.

[oldman2008]

Thank you.  That's exactly the sort of information I was looking for.  Thanks, very much!

[CalGal]

I think it might be a good idea to at least go talk to a colorectal surgeon and discuss the subject. With what you're describing surgery is usually necessary to repair the prolapse. But the kind of surgery will depend on the exact condition and the extent of the prolapse. Look for a colon and rectal surgeon who is board certified by both the American Board of Surgery and by the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery.