Quadrant mucosal stripping and muscle pleating in the management of childhood rectal prolapse.

A new operation that has been found effective in the treatment of frequently recurring rectal prolapse in children is described. It involves excision of narrow strips of mucosa at three or four quadrants and inserting nonabsorbable sutures in the denuded area to pleat the prolapsed segment. The technique is simple, safe, and effective for both mucosal prolapse and full-thickness rectal prolapse. It is free from major complications. The controversy surrounding the predisposing factor, the nature of the prolapse, and the various suggested treatments are highlighted.