Recovery After Rectal Prolapse Surgery: Diet & Medications

Exercises/Asanas To Recover After Rectal Prolapse Surgery

Here is a list of exercises/asanas that can be beneficial for you after your rectal prolapse surgery:

• Pranayama – All pelvic floor functions are associated with breathing. With every breath, pelvic floor muscles move up and down in coordination which can help strengthen the muscles. Therefore, breathing exercises can be highly valuable for recovery after rectal prolapse surgery. In addition, alternate nostril breathing, abdominal-diaphragmatic breathing, and bee’s breath are alternative yoga breathing techniques that may be useful.
• Mula Bandha – Mula Bandha is a yoga exercise that enhances recovery after surgery. The exercise involves engaging the pelvic floor muscles and the deep core muscles.
• Tadasana – Tadasana, or mountain pose, is a beneficial posture that strengthens the pelvic floor and deep core abdominal muscles to support the pelvic organs, including the bowel and rectum.
• Legs Up-the-Wall Pose (Viparita Karani)- This asana can raise circulation around the anus while relieving discomfort and irritation.
• Kegel exercises- Kegel exercises focus on strengthening the pelvic floor muscles. Medical experts believe a strong pelvic floor provides better support for the pelvic organs, prevents prolapse from worsening, and enhances recovery after rectal prolapse surgery.
• Vajrasana or The Adamant Pose – Rectal prolapse can happen due to constipation. Therefore, it is essential to perform asanas that treat and prevent constipation. Vajrasana is one such asana that is beneficial in treating various medical conditions, such as chronic constipation, stomach disorders, and digestive problems.

Exercises/Asanas To Avoid For A Better Recovery

Here is a list of exercises/asanas to avoid after your rectal prolapse surgery:

• Double Leg Lift 
• Boat Poses 
• Plank 
• Uddiyana bandha
• Deep squat poses – Avoid poses involving deep squats to relieve pressure on the pelvic floor, like Noose and Garland Pose.
• Forward bends with wide legs – Avoid or modify wide-leg forward bends since it increases pelvic floor pressure. 
• Upper body weight bearing – Weight bearing through the upper limbs increases downward pressure on the pelvic floor; therefore, it is best to avoid upper body weight-bearing exercises.

Medications To Take During Recovery

• Take pain medicine every three to four hours when needed.
• Take stool softener as long as you are taking the pain medicine. Colace (Docusate sodium) 100 mg twice daily is the advised stool softener.
• Take fiber supplements, like Metamucil, Konsyl, Fibercon, or Citrucel, as directed on the package. 
• If two days pass without a bowel movement, take a tablespoon of milk of magnesia and repeat in 8 to 10 hours if you have not had a bowel movement. If you still see no results after three days, take two Dulcolax tablets. If this does not work within 12 hours, call your healthcare provider.

Lifestyle Changes Required To Ensure A Proper Recovery

Some lifestyle changes to follow after rectal prolapse surgery include:

• Perform regular exercise with moderate intensity (for at least 30 minutes).
• Maintain healthy body weight 
• Drink enough fluids during the day.
• Eat only good quality foods.
• Stop eating as soon as you feel full.
• Take regular showers
• Stop smoking 
• Limit alcohol intake