From the Guidelines
Applying sugar to a prolapse is not a recommended treatment and should be avoided. When considering the management of a prolapse, particularly a rectal prolapse, the primary goal is to reduce the risk of complications such as strangulation, ulceration, bleeding, and perforation, while also considering the patient's quality of life and minimizing morbidity and mortality. According to the guidelines for anorectal emergencies 1, non-operative management (NOM) may be considered for incarcerated rectal prolapse without signs of ischemia or perforation, but this should be done under mild sedation or anesthesia and with the aim of reducing edema and facilitating manual reduction.
The use of sugar in this context is mentioned as a technique to reduce edema by creating a hyperosmolar environment 1, but it is noted that the overall efficacy of this technique is low. Other methods such as submucosal adrenaline injections, topical application of hypertonic solutions, submucosal infiltration of hyaluronidase, and elastic compression wraps are also described, but the key takeaway is that these techniques should be performed by medical professionals and not as a self-treatment.
Given the potential for serious complications and the importance of proper medical evaluation and care, seeking immediate medical attention is the best course of action for anyone experiencing a prolapse. Medical professionals can provide the necessary assessment and treatment, which may include manual reduction, the use of pessaries, or surgery, depending on the severity and nature of the prolapse. Temporary measures such as gentle cleaning with warm water and avoiding straining may help alleviate discomfort, but these should not delay seeking professional medical help. The primary consideration should always be to prevent complications and ensure the best possible outcome in terms of morbidity, mortality, and quality of life 1.
From the Research
Sugar on a Prolapse
- The use of sugar to aid in the reduction of incarcerated prolapsed bowel has been reported in several studies 2, 3.
- In these cases, the application of sugar granules to the incarcerated bowel resulted in a decrease in tissue edema and spontaneous bowel reduction 2.
- A case report published in the Annals of Emergency Medicine also described the successful use of granulated sugar to aid in the manual reduction of incarcerated rectal prolapse 3.
- However, it is essential to note that these studies focused on the reduction of incarcerated prolapsed bowel, rather than the management of pelvic organ prolapse.
- For pelvic organ prolapse, other treatments such as pessaries, pelvic floor muscle training, or both are usually recommended 4, 5, 6.
- Pelvic floor muscle training has been shown to improve prolapse symptoms and quality of life in women with pelvic organ prolapse 5, 6.
- Pessary treatment has also been found to be effective in achieving goal achievements and improving quality of life in women with pelvic organ prolapse 5.