Rectal Prolapse

Treatment of Children

In contrast to adults, children's rectal prolapse can usually be managed without surgery. Most children who develop rectal prolapse in their first three years of life respond to treatment and their condition disappears after age 6.

Children are more likely to have the type of rectal prolapse that involves the rectal mucosa, not the entire rectal wall. Mayo Clinic physicians treat rectal prolapse patients with medications such as stool softeners, if possible. If rectal prolapse isn't caused by another condition or does not respond to medications, injecting a chemical into the rectal wall is very effective. In some cases, caregivers may be taught how to treat the condition at home by pushing the prolapse back into place (with disposable gloves and lubricating jelly), applying an ice pack to reduce swelling or providing children with a small toilet so that they don't have to strain.

If surgery is necessary, Mayo colorectal surgeons are highly experienced in these procedures, and have special expertise in minimally invasive surgery. Read more about treatment.

Children with rectal prolapse should be screened for cystic fibrosis, since rectal prolapse can be a sign of the disease.

Treatment Team

Florida
Florida physicians treat patients age 16 and older. They are treated by specialists in Gastroenterology and Colon and Rectal Surgery. Those needing hospital care are treated at Nemours Children's Hospital in Jacksonville.

Minnesota
Children with rectal prolapse are treated by specialists in Pediatric Gastroenterology and Colon and Rectal Surgery. If they need hospital care, they are treated at Mayo Eugenio Litta Children's Hospital, a state-of-the-art, family-friendly children's hospital within Saint Marys Hospital.