Rectal prolapse in infancy: conservative versus operative treatment

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Surgery
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Rectal prolapse in infants presents with varying severity.
• Two distinct types of infantile rectal prolapse are observed: intermittent and pronounced.

Purpose of the Study:

• To differentiate between the two types of infantile rectal prolapse.
• To evaluate treatment outcomes for both types of rectal prolapse in infants.
• To assess the efficacy of the Lockhart-Mummery operation for severe infantile rectal prolapse.

Main Methods:

• Classification of rectal prolapse into intermittent and pronounced types.
• Observation of treatment response to conservative measures for intermittent prolapse.
• Surgical intervention using the Lockhart-Mummery operation for persistent or severe prolapse.

Main Results:

• Nine out of 17 infants with rectal prolapse experienced the intermittent type, which resolved with conservative treatment.
• The pronounced type of rectal prolapse required surgical intervention.
• The Lockhart-Mummery operation was successful in all but one patient with pronounced rectal prolapse, with no observed complications.

Conclusions:

• Conservative treatment is effective for intermittent infantile rectal prolapse.
• The Lockhart-Mummery operation is a safe and effective alternative for severe infantile rectal prolapse when conservative measures fail.
• Pathoanatomically, infantile rectal prolapse is often a mucosal prolapse, supporting less invasive initial treatments.