Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome is a condition that occurs when one or more open sores (ulcers) develop in the rectum. The rectum is a muscular tube connected to the end of your colon. Stool passes through the rectum on its way out of the body.

Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome is a rare and poorly understood disorder that often occurs in people with chronic constipation. Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome can cause rectal bleeding and straining during bowel movements. Despite the name, sometimes more than one rectal ulcer occurs in solitary rectal ulcer syndrome.

Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome may improve with simple lifestyle strategies, such as changing your diet and drinking more fluids. In severe cases, however, surgery may be needed.

Signs and symptoms of solitary rectal ulcer syndrome include:

• Constipation
• Rectal bleeding
• Straining during bowel movements
• Pain or a feeling of fullness in your pelvis
• A feeling of incomplete passing of stool
• Passing mucus from your rectum
• Fecal incontinence
• Rectal pain

However, some people with solitary rectal ulcer syndrome may experience no symptoms.

Make an appointment with your doctor if you notice any signs or symptoms that worry you.

Several other conditions may cause signs and symptoms similar to those of solitary rectal ulcer syndrome. At your appointment, your doctor may recommend tests and procedures to identify or rule out causes other than solitary rectal ulcer syndrome.