Medical conditions that predispose to rectal prolapse in children

Conditions likely to respond to medical treatment

Functional constipation (patients <4 years old)

Infectious diarrhea

Celiac disease

Cystic fibrosis

Short bowel syndrome

Malnutrition

Conditions unlikely to respond to medical treatment

Permanent pelvic floor weakness (eg, myelomeningocele, spinal cord injury, or tethered cord)

Anatomic anomalies:

Surgically corrected Hirschsprung disease or imperforate anus
Lead points (eg, polyps, rectal ulcer, lymphoid hyperplasia, or, rarely, tumors)
Recto-anal trauma (physical or sexual child abuse)

Chronic constipation due to organic causes or complicated by behavioral or mental health conditions (patients ≥4 years old)

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