title: Paediatric rectal prolapse in Rwanda.
abstract: During the 1994 crisis in Rwanda, a high incidence of full-thickness rectal prolapse was noted among the refugee children in the south-west of the country. The prolapses arose as a result of acute diarrhoeal illness superimposed on malnutrition and worm infestation. We used a modification of the Thiersch wire technique in 40 of these cases during two months working in a refugee camp. A catgut pursestring was tied around the anal margin under local, regional or general anaesthesia. This was effective in achieving short-term control of full-thickness prolapse until the underlying illness was corrected. Under the circumstances, no formal follow-up could be arranged; however, no complications were reported and only one patient presented with recurrence.
authors.affiliation: Royal London Hospital, England.
authors.forename: E J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Chaloner
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Duckett
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lewin
mesh_terms: D001003:Anal Canal / Q000601:surgery*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000150:complications; D005260:Female; D006373:Helminthiasis / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D009748:Nutrition Disorders / Q000150:complications; D012005:Rectal Prolapse / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D012036:Refugees; D012432:Rwanda; D013536:Suture Techniques