Small Bowel Prolapse

Overview

Small bowel prolapse, also known as enterocele, is a condition where the small intestine (small bowel) descends into the lower pelvic cavity and pushes at the top part of the vagina, creating a bulge. This condition is characterized by a weakness in the muscles and ligaments that support pelvic organs, making it more likely to occur in women who have undergone childbirth, are aging, or have other conditions that put pressure on the pelvic floor.

Types of Small Bowel Prolapse

There are two main types of small bowel prolapse:

1. Complete prolapse: This type of prolapse occurs when the small intestine descends into the lower pelvic cavity and pushes at the top part of the vagina, creating a bulge.
2. Incomplete prolapse: This type of prolapse occurs when the small intestine only partially descends into the lower pelvic cavity and does not create a bulge.

Causes of Small Bowel Prolapse

The causes of small bowel prolapse are multifactorial and can include:

1. Childbirth: Childbirth is a common cause of small bowel prolapse, particularly in women who have had multiple vaginal deliveries.
2. Aging: As women age, the muscles and ligaments that support pelvic organs weaken, making it more likely for small bowel prolapse to occur.
3. Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes during menopause can cause changes in the pelvic floor muscles and ligaments, leading to small bowel prolapse.
4. Obesity: Obesity can put additional pressure on the pelvic floor muscles and ligaments, increasing the risk of small bowel prolapse.
5. Pregnancy: Pregnancy can cause changes in the pelvic floor muscles and ligaments, leading to small bowel prolapse.

Risk Factors of Small Bowel Prolapse

Certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing small bowel prolapse:

1. Age: Women over 40 years old are more likely to develop small bowel prolapse.
2. Childbirth: Women who have had multiple vaginal deliveries are more likely to develop small bowel prolapse.
3. Hormonal changes: Women who experience hormonal changes during menopause are more likely to develop small bowel prolapse.
4. Obesity: Women who are overweight or obese are more likely to develop small bowel prolapse.

Symptoms of Small Bowel Prolapse

Preventions of Small Bowel Prolapse

While it is not possible to completely prevent small bowel prolapse, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk:

1. Maintain a healthy weight: Maintaining a healthy weight through regular exercise and a balanced diet can help reduce the risk of small bowel prolapse.
2. Practice Kegel exercises: Kegel exercises can help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and reduce the risk of small bowel prolapse.
3. Avoid heavy lifting: Avoiding heavy lifting and straining can help reduce the risk of small bowel prolapse.

Diagnosis of Small Bowel Prolapse

Diagnosing small bowel prolapse typically involves a combination of:

1. Physical examination: A physical examination is performed to assess for signs of pelvic organ prolapse.
2. Imaging studies: Imaging studies such as ultrasound or MRI scans may be used to visualize the extent of the prolapse.

Treatment for Small Bowel Prolapse

Treatment for small bowel prolapse typically involves self-care measures and nonsurgical options:

1. Kegel exercises: Kegel exercises can help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and reduce symptoms.
2. Pessaries: Pessaries are devices that are inserted into the vagina to support the uterus and rectum.
3. Surgery: Surgery may be necessary in severe cases of small bowel prolapse.

When to seek medical attention ?

If you are experiencing symptoms related to small bowel prolapse, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider.