Rectal prolapse and mental health disorders in pediatric patients

Abstract

Background: Pediatric rectal prolapse (RP) is a rare but burdensome disease. We sought to describe our RP patient population’s mental behavioral health disorder (MBHD) history and compare their outcomes. Methods: In a single center retrospective cohort study, all patients who underwent surgical evaluation of RP from 2016-2021 were identified and reviewed. Results: Of 56 patients identified, 30 met inclusion criteria, 16 (53.3%) had a documented MBHD. Those with MBHD were significantly older (14.4 vs 9.4 years, p=0.027), and had higher rates of constipation (15, 94% vs 19, 17%, p =0.05). They had significantly longer duration of medical management before intervention than those without MBHD (216 vs 57 days, p=0.046). Ultimately, more patients with MBHD underwent operative intervention for rectal prolapse (8, 50% vs 2, 14.2%, p =0.019). Conclusions: Pediatric patients with rectal prolapse have a high rate of MBHD and despite longer intervals of medical management, often require operative intervention.