Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome

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Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

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Illustration showing the rectum 
Rectum

Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome is a condition that occurs when a sore (ulcer) develops in the rectum. The rectum is a muscular tube that's connected to the end of your colon. Stool passes through the rectum on its way out of the body.

Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome can cause rectal bleeding with straining when you pass bowel movements.

Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome most commonly involves one ulcer, but sometimes more than one rectal ulcer can occur or polyp-like masses may form. Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome is a rare and poorly understood disorder that occurs in people with chronic constipation.

Treatments for solitary rectal ulcer syndrome range from changing your diet and fluid intake to surgery.

References
  1. Nagar AB, et al. Ulcers of the small and large intestine. In: Feldman M, et al. Sleisenger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2006. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/179165321-7/0/1389/0.html. Accessed Jan. 20, 2010.
  2. Felt-Bersma RJF, et al. Rectal prolapse, rectal intussusception, rectocele, solitary rectal ulcer syndrome and enterocele. Gastroenterology Clinics of North America. 2008;37:645.
  3. Edden Y, et al. Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome and stercoral ulcers. Gastroenterology Clinics of North America. 2009;38:541.
  4. Rao SSC, et al. Pathophysiology and role of biofeedback therapy in solitary rectal ulcer syndrome. American Journal of Gastroenterology. 2006;101:613.
  5. Bharucha AE. Update of tests of colon and rectal structure and function. Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology. 2006;40:96.
  6. High-fiber nutrition therapy. ADA Nutrition Care Manual. http://nutritioncaremanual.org/vault/editor/Docs/High_FiberNutritionTherapy_FINAL.pdf. Accessed Jan. 26, 2010.
  7. Constipation. ADA Nutrition Care Manual. http://nutritioncaremanual.org/topic.cfm?ncm_heading=Nutrition%20Care&ncm_toc_id=145248. Accessed Jan. 26, 2010.
DS00694 March 13, 2010

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