Colonic procidentia

Distinguishing clinically between procidentia of the colon and prolapse of only the mucosa may be difficult in some cases. Observation of certain differential features will aid in diagnosis. Although in some circumstances it may seem advisable in surgical repair of procidentia to use a procedure that does not necessitate laparotomy, such operations are dangerous in that they do not permit direct inspection of the contents, perhaps vital, of the herniated sac to be excised or occluded.