ABSTRACT
This chapter explains the key principles in the management of complex pediatric colorectal diagnoses. It provides case-based presentations, radiographic images, and operative images with multiple choice questions to test knowledge. The chapter presents a case study of a 3-year-old boy with a 7-week history of recurrent rectal prolapse. He has a history of constipation and has been on a stool softener and stimulant laxative, with no improvements in his symptoms. There is no past surgical history. The prolapse is causing discomfort, and the child is becoming reluctant to eat. There are many surgical options for the management of rectal prolapse. The surgeon's choice of operation will depend on the patient's age, the underlying cause of the prolapse, and the surgeon's experience. Rectal prolapse is common and often resolves with adequate medical treatment of constipation and dietary modification. The physician, however, needs to be aware of conditions predisposing to prolapse of the rectum, including cystic fibrosis.
