A 5-year-old boy suffering from persistent rectal bleeding was successfully treated at Medicover Hospitals, Whitefield, after being diagnosed with a rare rectal polyp. This case highlights the importance of early diagnosis, pediatric surgical expertise, and compassionate care.
Risk: Minor rectal bleeding in children is often caused by constipation or straining. But persistent bleeding may indicate a polyp, which can lead to chronic blood loss and iron deficiency anemia.
Solution: The polyp was removed using a minimally invasive surgical procedure under carefully monitored pediatric anesthesia, ensuring no disruption to the child's developmental milestones.
The Challenge: Months of Silent Suffering
For several months, a 5-year-old boy had been experiencing repeated rectal bleeding. Initially, it was considered a minor problem. But the persistent bleeding began to seriously affect his energy levels, nutrition, and daily activities.
Due to the child's young age, several medical centers postponed surgical intervention due to concerns about the risks of anesthesia. This prolonged the family's emotional distress until a definitive evaluation was sought at Medicover Hospitals, Whitefield.
What is a Pediatric Rectal Polyp?
A rectal polyp is an abnormal growth of tissue on the lining of the rectum. In children, these are usually called "juvenile polyps" and account for less than 1% of pediatric gastrointestinal cases. They are very uncommon in children under the age of six. After a detailed clinical examination, our multidisciplinary team confirmed the presence of a rectal polyp.
Why Early Intervention is Critical?
If left untreated, pediatric rectal polyps can cause:
The case was evaluated by a multidisciplinary team to ensure the highest safety standards for a pediatric patient.
Based on the child's age, the surgical plan prioritized:
Specialized Pediatric Anesthesia: Tailored protocols to eliminate risks associated with sedating young children.
Minimally Invasive Removal: Utilizing advanced techniques to remove the polyp without large incisions.
Bleeding Prevention: Advanced coagulation techniques to prevent post-operative bleeding.
The procedure was completely successful. The child recovered smoothly, did not experience further bleeding, and was discharged in stable condition, returning to his normal, active life.
"Rectal polyps in very young children are rare, and treatment is often delayed due to fear of anesthesia and a lack of awareness. However, with timely diagnosis, structured pediatric anesthesia protocols, and precise surgical techniques, these conditions can be treated with absolute safety."- Dr. M. Vamsi Krishna
The most common causes are anal fissures (small tears usually caused by constipation) and minor infections. If bleeding is painless, continuous, and accompanied by fatigue, it warrants immediate evaluation to exclude polyps or Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).
The vast majority of rectal polyps in young children (juvenile polyps) are benign (non-cancerous). However, they must be removed and biopsied to stop bleeding and prevent long-term complications.
Yes. When administered by an experienced pediatric anesthesiologist in a highly monitored hospital environment, modern pediatric anesthesia is extremely safe.
You should consult a specialist immediately if the bleeding is heavy, lasts for more than a few days, or is accompanied by abdominal pain, weight loss, or extreme fatigue.
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