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Rectocele in children: a case report
Sunny Z Hussain1, Gary D Dunn, Mark F Brown
1Department of Pediatrics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA.
Insights
Rectocele, a rectal protrusion into the vagina causing obstructed defecation, is rarely seen in children. This study presents three pediatric cases, with surgical intervention proving effective for symptom resolution.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Urogynecology
Background:
- Rectocele, characterized by anterior rectal wall protrusion into the vagina, typically presents with obstructed defecation.
- This condition is predominantly observed in adult females, with limited documentation in males and no prior reports in pediatric populations.
Observation:
- Three pediatric cases of rectocele with obstructed defecation, including constipation and refractory straining, are presented.
- Diagnosis was confirmed using defecography.
- Two patients underwent surgical treatment, while one received conservative management.
Findings:
- Surgical intervention resulted in complete resolution of rectocele symptoms in the pediatric patients.
- Postoperative recovery was uneventful for surgically treated individuals.
Implications:
- Further multicenter studies utilizing radiologic assessments are recommended for children with refractory constipation to better define pediatric rectocele.
- Early identification and management may prevent severe rectal and uterovaginal prolapse in children.
Abstract:
Rectocele is an abnormal protrusion of the anterior wall of the rectum into the vagina. When symptomatic, it will typically cause obstructed defecation. It is almost exclusively found in females with rare reports in males and never been described in the literature in children younger than 18 years of age so far. We are presenting 3 cases of rectocele with obstructed defecation in the pediatric population. These children presented with the complaints of constipation along with refractory straining. They were diagnosed by defecography. Two were treated surgically and one conservatively. Surgical intervention completely cured the problem with uneventful postoperative course. Further multicenter studies with the aid of radiologic studies on children with "hard to treat" constipation should be considered to better define that disorder in the pediatric age group. A more vigilant approach may have implications in the prevention of more severe rectal and uterovaginal prolapse in the future.
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