[Total rectal prolapse in young adults. Apropos of 10 cases in Africans]

The authors described their African experience on the basis of ten cases of total rectal prolapse in the young adult and child. Total rectal prolapse and internal procidentia fall within the general context of disorders of rectal mechanics. In most instances, such forced prolapse occurs in young individuals who are usually muscular and used to difficult work. Nevertheless, defecation efforts in these chronically constipated patients play a significant role. Furthermore, there is frequently a concomitant presence of a megadolichosigmoid colon. In all cases treatment was surgical, involving rectopexy at the promontory using strips of fascia lata or even peritoneum. The post-operative course was in all cases uneventful with no recurrences and the routine prescription of adjuvant treatment for constipation.