Mucosal plication in the treatment of partial rectal prolapse.

A technique used for the treatment of 34 patients with partial rectal prolapse [20 children (mean age 4.2 +/- 1.4 years), 10 women, and 4 men (mean age 44.6 years)] is presented. The prolapsed mucosa protruded outside the anus in 26 patients and was inside the rectal neck in 8. Mucosal plication was performed; the prolapsed mucosa was reefed by multiple vertical pursestring sutures. Associated hemorrhoids and anal fissures were also corrected. The patients were followed up for a mean of 31.6 months. No straining at stool or recurrence of the mucosal prolapse occurred. The technique is simple, cost-effective, had no complications, and was performed on an outpatient basis.