[Solitary ulcer of the rectum: a report of a clinical case associated with rectal prolapse].

Solitary ulcer of the rectum is an unusual condition occurring more often in young adults. Unfortunately the term is rather confusing, since the lesion may not necessarily be solitary, nor be confined to the rectum; moreover, it may be polypoid rather than ulcerating. The etiology is uncertain, but chronic constipation and fecal impaction could play a role. Today most authors believe solitary ulcer syndrome is a distinct clinical inflammatory manifestation associated with rectal prolapse. Surgical treatment of the prolapse is usually followed by a recovery of the solitary rectal ulcer.