[Rectal prolapse in children. Review of 260 cases].

Rectal prolapse is mostly seen in constipated children after prolonged straining at stool. In Morocco, it will occur in children suffering from digestive parasitosis or hypotrophic children following episodes of acute diarrhea. In order to evaluate the respective role of these factors and consequently adapt the management of this condition, a prospective study of 260 cases was conducted between 1979 and 1986 bearing on etiologic factors on the one hand and with a view to assessing the efficacy of medical treatment and of sclerosing injections on the other hand. As regards etiology, diarrhea in connection with digestive parasitosis appears as a predominating factor (62%). A deficient condition was also noted in 67 out of 160 children (42%). Medical treatment was successful only in 28% of cases, whereas 98% of our patients were cured by sclerosing injections without need for surgical treatment.