Rectal prolapse occurs when all layers of the rectal wall pass externally through the anal canal, across the anal sphincter complex. In most situations, it spontaneously reduces or can be manually reduced. However, in cases when the prolapse is not reducible and/or there are signs of ischemia, urgent referral for surgical evaluation is necessary. Patients present with a variety of symptoms that are similar to other common anorectal pathologies. Diagnosis can usually be established based on history and clinical examination. After a diagnosis, no further testing is usually needed and an elective referral to a specialist should be made in symptomatic patients.