Transanal endorectal approach for the treatment of idiopathic rectal prolapse in children: Experience with the modified Delorme's procedure.

BACKGROUND: Persistent or recurrent idiopathic rectal prolapse in children requires surgical intervention. Several techniques have been used to repair this problem. However, recurrence and complications continue to be a challenge in the management of this condition. Here we report our experience in using the modified Delorme's procedure to treat such patients.

METHODS: We conducted a retrospective observational study of patients with idiopathic rectal prolapse who underwent the modified Delorme's procedure during 2013-2017. We analyzed the clinical characteristics of the patients and the recurrence and complication rates during a follow-up of 15-68 months.

RESULTS: We included 14 patients. The age at operation ranged from 2 to 17 years, and the length of the prolapse was 3-15 cm. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. All patients achieved postoperative fecal control, and there were no recurrences.

CONCLUSION: The modified Delorme's procedure was effective for the treatment of idiopathic rectal prolapse. There were no recurrences or complications. Because it is a perineal technique, the procedure avoids the risk of nerve injury that exists for transabdominal methods.