Complicated rectal prolapse in an infant: strangulated pararectal hernia

Rectal prolapse is common in infants and children. It should initially be managed conservatively, as prolapse often resolves with the growth of the child. We encountered an 8-month-old infant with complete rectal prolapse associated with pararectal herniation of ileum between the 2 walls of the prolapsed rectum. This rare event led to strangulation of the ileal segment within the prolapsed rectal walls. We present this extremely uncommon case with a brief review of the relevant literature.