An alternative management for high-risk patients with rectal prolapse

The management of rectal prolapse in presence of high-risk comorbidities can be challenging. We report the use of an anal plug as a noninvasive alternative in patients with contraindication of surgery. This small device opens up in about 30 s to fit the contour of the lower rectum avoiding faecal leakage or in our case, the rectal prolapse. Although the plug is poorly tolerated in some cases, this device may be used up to 12 h per day and no adverse effects have been reported. Nonsurgical alternatives described in the literature, such as sclerotherpy in children, are not routinely used in the adult population. The main advantage of the anal plug is its simplicity and safety as in the series published for the treatment of faecal incontinence no adverse events were described. An anal plug for rectal prolapse is an alternative in high-risk patients or during the time before surgical treatment.