Rectoanal pressures and rectal compliance in children with rectal prolapse

The results of anorectal manometry in 11 children with complete rectal prolapse were evaluated. Abnormalities of sphincter control or bowel movements occurred in 8 out of these 11 patients. Anal canal pressure of the patients was lower than in the controls, but there was no significant difference of resting pressure profiles of the anorectum between the patients and the controls. Rectoanal reflex was present in all the patients and in the controls. Rectal compliance was significantly lower in the patients, but there was no correlation between rectal compliance and sphincter control of the patients.