In adolescents with rectal prolapse, symptoms include tenesmus, anorectal pain, and passage of blood and mucus. In children, rectal prolapse is typically brought to medical attention after being detected by the patient’s parents. A dark red mass with or without mucus and blood that protrudes from the rectum during straining is described, yet this is commonly spontaneously resolved by the time the patient presents. Prolapse is usually painless or associated with only mild discomfort. At the time of prolapse, decreased or absent rectal tone may be present on a digital rectal exam, but the tone is usually normal after a few hours.[1]

Diagnosis of rectal prolapse is most commonly made based on history and physical alone. As mentioned above, prolapse often resolves by the time the patient reaches medical attention, and thus the clinician must rely on history for diagnosis. Patients with constipation as the likely cause of their prolapse should receive contrast radiography of the colon and anorectal manometry.[6] When evaluating third-degree or occult rectal prolapse, colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy often reveals erythematous granularity of the distal rectum, in addition to a polypoid white-topped mucosal lesion on the anterior rectal wall.[7] These tests may also help visualize rectal polyps or ulcers if present. Evaluation for associated pelvic floor anomalies and further characterization of prolapse may also per performed by fluoroscopic dynamic defecography or magnetic resonance imaging.[1]

Conservative management of rectal prolapse includes stool softeners and/or laxatives, avoidance of prolonged straining, and treatment of any predisposing underlying conditions. Compliance with bowel regimen is important because patients who have repeat instances of rectal prolapse may be less responsive to rectal prolapse in the future. Generally, these conservative tools work for about 90% of patients who develop rectal prolapse before age 3. For children with cystic fibrosis, who as mentioned above are predisposed to rectal prolapse, adjustment of pancreatic enzymes is important.[1] Further management is indicated when patients complain of longstanding symptoms, rectal pain, rectal bleeding, rectal ulceration, or difficult manual reduction of the prolapsed rectum.[8] Injection sclerotherapy is often the first intervention, followed by Thiersch cerclage, and finally rectopexy.[1]

The differential diagnosis for rectal prolapse includes ileocecal intussusception, prolapsing rectal polyp, prolapsing rectal duplication cyst, and rectal hemorrhoids. While rectal prolapse is painless, intussusception presents with intermittent severe pain. Examination of prolapse tissue can distinguish between prolapsing rectal polyp, prolapsing rectal duplication cyst, and rectal hemorrhoids due to the circumferential nature of prolapse.[1]

The prognosis of rectal prolapse is generally good, especially when diagnosed between the age of 9 months and 3 years and not associated with any other underlying condition. It is usually a condition of childhood and often does not recur after age 6. When rectal prolapse is diagnosed after age 4, children are more likely to have underlying neurologic or musculoskeletal problems requiring surgical management and symptoms into adulthood.[1][4]

Most complications are from surgery and may include:

• Bleeding
• Damage to the bladder neck
• Damage to the presacral nerves
• Pelvic hematoma

Rectal prolapse is ideally managed by an interprofessional team that involves a pediatrician, gastroenterologist, pediatric surgeon, and a pediatric nurse. All children with rectal prolapse should undergo testing for cystic fibrosis. While awaiting surgery, parents should be taught how to reduce the rectal prolapse.[9][10]

Coordination of care for rectal prolapse requires a highly organized interprofessional team. For diagnosis and conservative management, physicians, nurses, and families must work together for effective treatment and maintenance at home. If these treatments are effectively communicated and orchestrated, the patient will ultimately have a better outcome. If surgery is indicated for prolapse, coordination is also needed between physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and other members of the healthcare team. The importance of communication, patient-centered care, and professionalism cannot be understated when working with pediatric populations.[11]