Rectal prolapse in two neonates with Hirschsprung's disease

Hirschsprung's disease results from the congenital absence of ganglion cells in the myenteric plexus in a segment of intestine that extends proximally from the anus. In the neonatal period, the history and physical examination findings include delayed passage of meconium, constipation, abdominal distention, bilious emesis, and an empty rectum. Rectal prolapse, to our knowledge, has not been reported as an early clinical finding in Hirschsprung's disease. We describe two neonates admitted within a four-month period with rectal prolapse who subsequently had Hirschsprung's disease confirmed by biopsy specimens.