WOFAPS 2025 8th World Congress of Pediatric Surgery

Merve Bülbül Ak ¹, Suna Kaymak Selbuz ²

¹ Ankara Atatürk Sanatoryum Education and Research Hospital, Department of Pediatric Surgery
² Ankara Atatürk Sanatoryum Education and Research Hospital, Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology

Introduction:
This study aims to highlight the rare occurrence of rectal prolapse-like symptoms caused by a rectal polyp in a pediatric patient. The goal is to emphasize the importance of considering rectal polyps in the differential diagnosis of rectal prolapse in children.

Case Presentation:
A 6-year-old male patient presented to the emergency department with a purple-colored, bleeding mass protruding from the anus. The patient had no significant medical history but had been experiencing constipation for the past year. There was no history of rectal bleeding. On physical examination, the abdomen was non-distended, and the rectal mass was approximately 2 cm in size with visible bleeding. Due to the palpation of the polyp stalk during the examination, rectal polyp prolapse was considered as the primary diagnosis. Because of the patient's non-cooperation, the polyp stalk was excised under anesthesia using cautery. After the initial excision, a proctoscopy was performed to examine the excision site. Due to inadequate bowel preparation, the remaining bowel could not be fully evaluated. The patient underwent elective colonoscopy and endoscopy two days later. A 1x1 cm ulcerative lesion with exudate was found at the 40 cm mark during colonoscopy. A biopsy was taken for histopathological examination. The pathology of the excised polyp confirmed it as a juvenile polyp, while the second lesion was consistent with a hyperplastic polyp.The patient did not experience any recurrence, and there were no complications following the procedures.

Conclusion:
Rectal prolapse-like presentations caused by rectal polyps are rare in pediatric patients. It is essential to consider rectal polyps in the differential diagnosis of rectal prolapse in children. Early detection and appropriate surgical intervention lead to favorable outcomes without complications.