Our Summary

This research paper discusses common diseases and disorders relating to the anus and rectum in children. These issues, which include hemorrhoids, fissures, rectal prolapse, and perianal abscess and fistulas, are often uncomfortable and can cause disability. They can also be a significant problem for the child and their family. While these conditions are usually not dangerous, it’s important to thoroughly examine them to rule out any serious underlying problems. The diagnosis of these disorders is based on the patient’s medical history, physical examination, endoscopy, and imaging. Treatment can involve medication or surgery, and if treated quickly and correctly, the conditions can be short-lived. The paper reviews existing data on these disorders, including their definition, how common they are, clinical presentation, cause, diagnosis, when surgery is necessary, and long-term outcomes.

FAQs

  1. What are some common diseases and disorders relating to the anus and rectum in children?
  2. How are these rectal and anal disorders diagnosed in children?
  3. When is surgery necessary for treating these disorders and what are the long-term outcomes?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might advise a patient undergoing rectal prolapse surgery to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including avoiding heavy lifting, sticking to a soft diet, and taking prescribed pain medications as needed. It’s important to stay in close communication with your healthcare provider and attend all follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing and recovery.

Suitable For

Rectal prolapse surgery is typically recommended for patients who have a severe prolapse that does not respond to conservative treatments such as medication or physical therapy. Patients who experience chronic rectal prolapse, where the rectum protrudes from the anus regularly, are also candidates for surgery. Additionally, patients who experience severe symptoms such as fecal incontinence, difficulty with bowel movements, or pain and discomfort due to the prolapse may benefit from surgical intervention.

It is important for patients to consult with a healthcare provider to determine if rectal prolapse surgery is the best course of treatment for their specific condition. Surgery may involve procedures such as rectopexy, where the rectum is surgically attached to the surrounding tissues to prevent prolapse, or a resection of the rectum to remove the damaged portion of the rectum.

Overall, rectal prolapse surgery is recommended for patients who have severe symptoms and do not respond to conservative treatments. It is important for patients to discuss their options with a healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment for their individual needs.

Timeline

Before rectal prolapse surgery, a patient may experience symptoms such as difficulty controlling bowel movements, pain or discomfort in the rectal area, a feeling of fullness or pressure in the rectum, and the sensation of a lump or protrusion coming out of the anus. These symptoms can significantly impact the patient’s quality of life and may be accompanied by other issues such as constipation or fecal incontinence.

After rectal prolapse surgery, the patient can expect a period of recovery and rehabilitation. This may involve pain management, wound care, and monitoring for any complications such as infection or bleeding. The patient will also need to follow a specific diet and activity plan to promote healing and prevent further prolapse. Physical therapy may be recommended to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and improve bowel control.

Over time, the patient should experience improvement in their symptoms and a reduction in the risk of recurrent prolapse. With proper care and adherence to post-operative instructions, most patients can return to their normal activities and enjoy a better quality of life. Follow-up appointments with the surgeon will be necessary to monitor progress and address any concerns that arise.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about rectal prolapse surgery include:

  1. What is rectal prolapse and why is surgery necessary to treat it?
  2. What are the risks and benefits of rectal prolapse surgery?
  3. What type of surgery will be performed and how long is the recovery process?
  4. What are the potential complications of the surgery?
  5. How successful is rectal prolapse surgery in treating the condition?
  6. Are there any alternative treatments or non-surgical options available?
  7. What can I expect in terms of long-term outcomes and follow-up care after the surgery?
  8. How experienced is the surgeon in performing rectal prolapse surgery?
  9. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take after the surgery?
  10. What is the expected cost of the surgery and will it be covered by insurance?

Reference

Authors: Dimopoulou K, Dimopoulou A, Dimopoulou D, Zavras N, Fessatou S. Journal: Arch Pediatr. 2022 Apr;29(3):171-176. doi: 10.1016/j.arcped.2022.01.015. Epub 2022 Mar 3. PMID: 35249800