The occult rectal prolapse syndrome.

Occult rectal prolapse is a condition of young adults which causes problems in diagnosis. Symptoms consist of tenesmus and the passage of blood and mucus associated with constipation and straining at stool. The rectal prolapse often remains unrecognized for a long time because demonstration of the prolapse is difficult. There are characteristic changes in the rectum on clinical examination and these should alert the clinician to the diagnosis. Treatment of the prolapse relieves the symptoms.