prolapse

prolapse
n. /proh laps", proh"laps/; v. /proh laps"/, n., v., prolapsed, prolapsing.
n.
1. Pathol. a falling down of an organ or part, as the uterus, from its normal position.
v.i.
2. to fall or slip down or out of place.
[1555-65; < LL prolapsus a slipping forth. See PRO-1, LAPSE]

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Protrusion of an internal organ out of its normal place, usually of the rectum or uterus outside the body when supporting muscles weaken.

The membrane lining the rectum can push out through the anus, most often in old people with constipation who strain during defecation. Chronic rectal prolapse requires surgical repair. The uterus may prolapse into the vagina after gravity adds to weakness from childbirth injuries. Temporary supports and pelvic exercises can relieve mild uterine prolapse, but severe prolapse may require hysterectomy.

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      a downward protrusion of an internal organ out of its normal cavity. The term is usually applied to protrusion of the rectum or of the uterus outside the body. In either case, the prolapse follows progressive weakening of the muscles, ligaments, and other supporting tissues around the organ.

      Rectal prolapse, in which the membrane that lines the rectum protrudes through the anus, occurs frequently in elderly people with a history of constipation and straining during bowel movements. Prolapse of the uterus into the vagina is usually a delayed reaction to childbirth injuries that created a weakness that is increased by gravitational forces. Sudden increases in intra-abdominal pressure that may be produced by coughing, sneezing, or bowel movements may then force the rectal or uterine tissue out through the adjacent opening.

      Rectal prolapse is often temporary at first but may eventually become chronic with continued straining, requiring surgical repair. Although mild uterine prolapse can be relieved by temporary artificial supports and exercises to strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor, severe prolapse that causes vaginal discomfort and impedes walking often must be treated by hysterectomy.

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Universalium. 2010.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • Prolapse — literally means To fall out of place. In medicine, prolapse is a condition where organs, such as the uterus, fall down or slip out of place. It is used for organs protruding through the vagina, rectum, or for the misalignment of the valves of the …   Wikipedia

  • prolapse — ► NOUN 1) a slipping forward or down of a part or organ of the body. 2) a prolapsed part or organ. ► VERB ▪ undergo prolapse. ORIGIN from Latin prolabi slip forward …   English terms dictionary

  • Prolapse — Pro*lapse , v. i. To fall down or out; to protrude. [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Prolapse — Pro*lapse , n. [L. prolapsus, fr. prolapsus, p. p. of prolabi to fall forward; pro forward + labi to glide, fall.] (Med.) The falling down of a part through the orifice with which it is naturally connected, especially of the uterus or the rectum …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • prolapse — 1736, from L. prolaps , pp. stem of prolabi “to slip forward or down;” see PRO (Cf. pro ) + LAPSE (Cf. lapse) …   Etymology dictionary

  • prolapse — [prōlap′səs, prō′lap′səsprō laps′, prō′laps΄] n. [ModL prolapsus < LL, a falling < pp. of L prolabi, to fall forward < pro , forward + labi, to fall: see PRO 2 & LAPSE] Med. the falling or slipping out of place of an internal organ, as… …   English World dictionary

  • prolapse — 1. To sink down, said of an organ or other part. 2. A sinking of an organ or other part, especially its appearance at a natural or artificial orifice. SEE ALSO: procidentia, ptosis. [L. prolapsus, a falling] p. of the corpus luteum ectropion of… …   Medical dictionary

  • prolapse — [[t]pro͟ʊlæps, AM proʊlæ̱ps[/t]] prolapses, prolapsing, prolapsed (The verb is also pronounced [[t]prəlæ̱ps[/t]].) 1) N VAR A prolapse is when one of the organs in the body moves down from its normal position. [MEDICAL] One complication which can …   English dictionary

  • prolapse — n. downward displacement of an organ or tissue from its normal position, usually the result of weakening of the supporting tissues. Prolapse of the uterus and/or vagina is, in most cases, caused by stretching and/or tearing of the supporting… …   The new mediacal dictionary

  • prolapse — UK [ˈprəʊlæps] / US [proʊˈlæps] noun [countable] Word forms prolapse : singular prolapse plural prolapses medical a medical condition in which an organ in your body moves out of its usual position Derived word: prolapsed UK / US adjective …   English dictionary

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