Investigation of Rectal Prolapse in Childhood

In View of Anorectal Manometric Study Before and After Treatment

Abstract

Rectal prolapse in childhood has not been so often encountered. We have experienced 7 patients with rectal prolapse in whom 6 were under 3 years of old during the past 3 years in our department. In all of them an anorectal manometric study was performed before and after treatment. Characteristic manometric findings were an over-contraction after reflex in the anorectal pressure profile, that is, the decreased level of analpressure aftera stimulus by balloon increased higher than the level before stimulus. This fact mea-ns an imbalance of internal and external anal sphincter. Manometric patterns returned to normal when rectal prolapse had subsided by treatment or spontaneously. Based upon the results of manometric study, we have discussed on the etiology of rectal prolapse in child-hood and also presented our therapeutic principle of this disease.