Early outcomes of laparoscopic procedures performed on military personnel with total rectal prolapse and follow-up

Total rectal prolapse is a disorder frequently associated with constipation and anal incontinence. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of the complications, pain management, hospital stay, constipation, and anal functions of the patients undergoing 2 types of laparoscopic surgical approaches. In this study, 33 patients underwent either laparoscopic rectopexy or hand-assisted laparoscopic resection rectopexy. Preoperative colonic transit time, defecation, postoperative pain scoring, pre-postoperative evaluation of the anal function, and the changes in constipation and relating symptoms were assessed. Postoperative evaluation had been performed at the sixth week and the twelfth month. Median operation time was 137 minutes for rectopexy and 230 minutes for resection rectopexy group. Median postoperative hospital stay was 3 days for patients with rectopexy and 7 days for patients with resection rectopexy. Patients needed painkillers in short postoperative period for pain management in both groups. Continence was improved in 11 of 13 patients (84.6%) in a year after laparoscopic surgery. In 15 patients (45.5%), preoperative constipation either remained in the same or became worse in 7 (21.1%) in a year after surgery. No patient developed recurrence in the median follow-up period, which was about 15 months. Laparoscopic rectopexy and resection rectopexy in the young aged patients working the Army are carried out with less morbidity rate. We eliminated the total prolapse and cure incontinence in almost all patients. In addition to constipation was reduced by laparoscopic surgical approaches in a short time hospitalization with short time painkiller need.     

Prosthetic rectopexy to the pelvic floor and sigmoidectomy for rectal prolapse.

BACKGROUND: Full thickness rectal prolapse in young adults with normal pelvic floor is a disease in which the rectum is exceedingly long and mobile. Surgical treatment should correct both anatomical defects by combined rectopexy and colonic resection, which is expected to be less constipating than rectopexy alone. The aim of this study was to describe an original procedure of rectopexy to the pelvic floor with prosthetic material combined with sigmoid resection, and to evaluate prospectively anatomical and functional results. METHODS: Thirty-five patients (30 women) of median age 44 years (range 18 to 74) were operated on for full thickness rectal prolapse with normal pelvic floor. The rectum was mobilized posteriorly without division of the lateral ligaments and attached to the pelvic floor previously repaired with a nonabsorbable mesh. The sigmoid colon was resected with hand-sewn anastomosis. Clinical results were assessed by a questionnaire. RESULTS: There were no deaths or any septic or anastomotic complications. Small bowel obstruction was corrected laparoscopically in 1 patient. Mean hospital stay was 8 days (range 6 to 14). Mean follow-up was 34 months (range 10 to 93). No recurrence was seen. Preoperatively, 33 patients (94%) complained of constipation mainly with emptying problems (21 patients) and 25 patients (71.5%) were incontinent. Postoperatively, no constipated or incontinent patient's condition worsened. Rectal emptying was restored in 17 patients (81%). Eighteen incontinent patients (72%) regained full continence. On the other hand, 2 patients with normal bowel function worsened and 1 patient with an altered rectal compliance after Delorme's operation became incontinent. CONCLUSIONS: In young adults with rectal prolapse and normal pelvic floor undergoing prosthetic rectopexy and sigmoid resection (a) morbidity was low, (b) anatomical control was obtained in all cases, (c) emptying problems were corrected, and (d) deleterious effects are likely to occur if they had no constipation before operation or if rectal compliance was previously altered.     

Traitement du prolapsus rectal complet par rectopexie au plancher pelvien avec prothèse et résection du sigmoïde. Résultats anatomocliniques d'une étude prospective

Background, aim of the studyFull thickness rectal prolapse in young adults with normal perineal structures is a disease of the rectum which is exceedingly long and mobile. Surgical treatment should correct both anatomical defects by combined rectopexy and colonic resection, expected to be less constipating than rectopexy alone. The aim of this study was to describe an original procedure of rectopexy to the pelvic floor with prosthetic material combined with sigmoid resection, and to evaluate prospectively anatomical and functional results.Patients and methodsTwenty patients (16 women and four men) of median age 41 years were operated on for full thickness rectal prolapse with normal perineal structures. The rectum was mobilised posteriorly without division of the lateral ligaments and attached to the pelvic floor previously repaired, with a semi-absorbable prosthesis. The sigmoid colon was resected with hand-sewn anastomosis. Clinical results were assessed by a questionnaire.ResultsThere were no deaths or any septic or anastomotic complications. Small bowel obstruction was corrected laparoscopically in one patient. Mean hospital stay was 8.7 days. Mean follow up was 30 (range 9–75) months. No recurrence was seen. Pre-operatively, 18 patients (90%) complained of constipation mainly with emptying problems (15 patients) and 13 patients (65%) were incontinent. Post-operatively, no constipated or incontinent patient's condition worsened. Rectal emptying was restored in 13 patients (86.5%). Eight incontinent patients (61.5%) regained full continence. On the other hand, two patients with normal bowel function worsened and one patient with an altered rectal compliance after Delorme's operation became incontinent.ConclusionsIn young adults with rectal prolapse and normal perineal structures undergoing prosthetic rectopexy and sigmoid resection: a) morbidity was low, b) anatomical control was obtained in all cases, c) emptying problems were corrected, d) deleterious effects are likely to occur if they had no constipation before operation or if rectal compliance was previously altered.     

Laparoscopic repair of rectal prolapse

Background: There have been few large series that have focused on the feasibility of the laparoscopic approach for rectal prolapse. This single-institution study prospectively examines the surgical outcome and changes in symptoms and bowel function following the laparoscopic repair of rectal prolapse. Methods: In a selected group of 34 patients (total prolapse, 28; intussusception, six), 17 patients underwent laparoscopic-assisted resection rectopexy and 17 patients received a laparoscopic sutured rectopexy. Preoperative and postoperative evaluation at 3, 6, and 12 months included assessment of the severity of anal incontinence, constipation, changes in constipation-related symptoms, and colonic transit time. Results: Median operation time was 255 min (range, 180–360) in the resection rectopexy group and 150 min (range, 90–295) in the rectopexy alone group. Median postoperative hospital stay was 5 days (range, 3–15) and median time off work was 14 days (range, 12–21) in both groups. There were no deaths. Postoperative morbidity was 24%. Incontinence improved significantly regardless of which method was used. The main determinant of constipation was excessive straining at defecation. Constipation was cured in 70% of the patients in the rectopexy group and 64% in the resection rectopexy group. Symptoms of difficult evacuation improved, but the changes were significant only after resection rectopexy. Two patients (7%) developed recurrent total prolapse during a median follow-up of 2 years (range 12–60 months). Conclusions: Laparoscopic-sutured rectopexy and laparoscopic-assisted resection rectopexy are feasible and carry an acceptable morbidity rate. They eliminate prolapse and cure incontinence in the great majority of patients. Constipation and symptoms of difficult evacuation are alleviated. Received: 30 April 1999/Accepted: 8 July 1999/Online publication: 22 May 2000     

直肠乙状结肠部分切除联合直肠固定术治疗成人完全型直肠脱垂

目的 探讨成人完全型直肠脱垂采用直肠乙状结肠部分切除联合直肠固定术的手术疗效.方法 2006-2011年,收治的6例成人完全型直肠脱垂患者,采用直肠乙状结肠部分切除联合直肠固定术进行手术治疗.结果 6例患者全部治愈,术后平均住院时间为13.7 d,随访3～61个月,无复发病例.结论 直肠乙状结肠部分切除联合直肠固定术治...     

Laparoscopic rectopexy for full-thickness rectal prolapse: a single-institution retrospective study evaluating surgical outcome

Background The laparoscopic approach promises to become the gold standard for the transabdominal management of full-thickness rectal prolapse. The aim of this study was to review our experience and to highlight the functional results achieved with this new technique.Methods Forty-eight patients with full-thickness external prolapse underwent laparoscopic repair between February 1997 and February 2003. All patients underwent preoperative evaluation of their rectal function. Patients with isolated rectal ulcer without prolapse or with internal prolapse and patients deemed by the anesthesiologist to be unfit for general anesthesia were excluded from the study. The laparoscopic technique was either a mesh rectopexy without resection (n = 35) or a suture rectopexy with sigmoid resection (n = 13). Patients with intractable constipation preceding the development of the rectal prolapse were advised to have a resection–rectopexy. In the postoperative follow-up, attention was paid to mortality, morbidity, recurrent prolapse, incontinence, and constipation. Follow-up was done by clinical review and postal questionnaire.Results There were no deaths and no septic or anastomotic complications. The postoperative morbidity rate was 5%. Oral intake was started on postoperative day 1. Discharge from the hospital was on postoperative day 4 in patients without sigmoid resection and on postoperative day 7 in patients with sigmoid resection. Two patients (4%) developed recurrent total prolapse during a median follow-up period of 36 ± 15 months (range, 7–77). The functional results were good or excellent in 72% of the cases, without digitations or dyschesia. Continence was improved in 31% of the patients and remains unchanged in 64% of them. In 11 patients (23%), constipation was worsened by the procedure.Conclusion Laparoscopic rectopexy with or without resection is both safe and effective. Advantages include low-morbidity, improved cosmesis, the rapid return of intestinal function, early discharge from hospital, and a low recurrence rate. The fecal continence score is improved; however, constipation is frequently worsened.This work is dedicated to the memory of Gerard Trebuchet, a highly influential French surgeon remembered for his implementation of several techniques for laparoscopic colon resection. Gerard Trebuchet died in Rennes, Frence, on 1 September 2003, at the age of 59 years.     

Comparison of Laparoscopic and Open Surgery for Total Rectal Prolapse

Purpose Total rectal prolapse is a devastating disorder causing constipation and anal incontinence. We compared open and laparoscopic surgical approaches in a limited series.Methods The subjects of this study were 23 patients who underwent laparoscopic procedures (LP group) and 17 patients who underwent open procedures (OP group) for rectal prolapse. We assessed the preoperative colonic transit time, postoperative pain scoring, pre- and postoperative anal functions, and changes in constipation and related symptoms.Results The median operation time was 140.8min for the LP group and 113.1min for the OP group (P = 0.037). The median postoperative hospital stay was 4.8 days after the LPs and 9.6 days after the OPs (P = 0.001). Less analgesia was needed in the early postoperative period after the LPs (P = 0.007). While more than 70% improvement in continence was seen in the patients who underwent OPs, it was about 85% in those who underwent LPs. Improvement in constipation and related symptoms were similar in both groups. More than 30% of patients still suffered from hard stools and other symptoms of constipation. The colonic transit times were reduced in about 50% of patients who had suffered constipation in both groups. There was no incidence of recurrence in the median follow-up period.Conclusion Although transabdominal rectopexy has been performed conventionally for rectal prolapse for many years, laparoscopic rectopexy and laparoscopic resection rectopexy are associated with lower morbidity and less postoperative pain. We eliminated the total prolapse and cured incontinence in almost all patients, with a short hospital stay.     

Modified perineal stapled rectal resection with contour transtar for full-thickness rectal prolapse

Objective  We report a modified technique of perineal proctectomy using a new reloadable curved cutter stapler, the Contour^® Transtar^TM (Ethicon Endo-Surgery), to treat full-thickness external rectal prolapse.
Method  Between May and July 2008 three female patients were treated. All had a full-thickness external rectal prolapse up to 10 cm in length. The prolapse was initially divided by a linear cutter in anterior and posterior flaps, and resection of the prolapse was performed with a Contour Transtar stapler.
Results  There was no mortality or early or late morbidity. Follow-up was 2–4 months. All patients had a bowel movement within 3 days of the operation, oral feeding started immediately and the hospital stay was 5 days in all cases. All patients reported an improvement of constipation and continence.
Conclusion  Our procedure may be indicated for full-thickness prolapse with a rectal protrusion up to 10 cm, as it allows a simple resection without any mobilization or dissection of the rectum. The technique is safe, easier and faster to perform than conventional perineal rectosigmoidectomy.     

Laparoscopic repair of rectal prolapse: surgical technique

Technical features of laparoscopic rectopexy include complete rectal mobilization without division of the lateral stalks to avoid parasympathetic denervation and postoperative problems with defecation. Suture rectopexy is equally effective as posterior mesh rectopexy in preventing recurrences and eliminates the use of foreign material which is sometimes associated with intense fibrosis, sepsis and increased constipation. According to two randomised studies constipation seems to be less after resection rectopexy than suture or posterior mesh rectopexy alone perhaps by eliminating possible kinking at the rectosigmoid region by falling of the redundant sigmoid colon in the pouch of Douglas. Randomized studies are, however, needed to validate the need for colonic resection and to determine its optimal extent in patients who suffer from rectal prolapse, constipation and slow transit.     

Sutured posterior abdominal rectopexy with sigmoidectomy compared with Marlex rectopexy for rectal prolapse

Two treatment policies for rectal prolapse were prospectively assessed between April 1986 and January 1989. Sixteen patients had a Marlex mesh posterior rectopexy alone and 13 underwent a sigmoidectomy combined with a sutured posterior rectopexy. Preoperative and post-operative assessment included manometry, a saline infusion test and video-proctography. Hospital stay, control of prolapse and complications were comparable in both groups. Restoration of continence occurred in nine of the 12 incontinent patients after Marlex rectopexy, compared with six of nine after sutured rectopexy and sigmoidectomy. Constipation persisted in three patients who were constipated before operation and in four of 13 who had previously normal bowel habits became constipated after Marlex rectopexy; constipation persisted in one of five previously constipated patients while none with previously normal bowel habits became constipated after sutured rectopexy and sigmoidectomy. Sigmoidectomy combined with sutured rectopexy was safe and as efficient as Marlex rectopexy in prolapse control and improvement of continence; significantly fewer patients were constipated (one of 13) after sigmoidectomy than following rectopexy alone (seven of 16). A randomized trial now seems justified.     

Management of rectal prolapse: the role of laparoscopic approaches

Rectal prolapse is a lifestyle-altering disability which has been treated with over 100 surgical options. The specific goals of surgical management of full thickness rectal prolapse are to minimize the operative risk in this typically elderly population, eradicate the external prolapse of the rectum, improve continence, improve bowel function, and reduce the risk of recurrence. The theoretical advantages of a laparoscopic approach are to couple reductions in surgical morbidity and good post-operative outcome. Studies which compare the same laparoscopic and open surgical approach for rectal prolapse have demonstrated that laparoscopy confers benefits related to postoperative pain, length of hospital stay, and return of bowel function. Virtually every type of open transabdominal surgical approach to rectal prolapse has been laparoscopically accomplished. Current laparoscopic surgical techniques include suture rectopexy, stapled rectopexy, posterior mesh rectopexy with artificial material, and resection of the sigmoid colon with colorectal anastomosis, with or without rectopexy. The growing body of literature supports the concept that laparoscopic surgical techniques can safely provide the benefits of low recurrence rates and improved functional outcome for patients with full thickness rectal prolapse.     

Laparoscopic ventral rectopexy for external rectal prolapse improves constipation and avoids de novo constipation

Objective Abdominal rectopexy is ideal for otherwise healthy patients with rectal prolapse because of low recurrence, yet after posterior rectopexy, half of the patients complain of severe constipation. Resection mitigates this dysfunction but risks a pelvic anastomosis. The novel nerve‐sparing ventral rectopexy appears to avoid postero‐lateral rectal dissection denervation and thus postoperative constipation. We aimed to evaluate our functional results with laparoscopic ventral rectopexy. Method Consecutive rectal prolapse patients undergoing laparoscopic ventral rectopexy were prospectively assessed (Wexner Constipation and Faecal Incontinence Severity Index scores) pre‐, 3 months postoperatively, and late (> 12 months). Results Sixty‐five consecutive patients with external rectal prolapse (median age 72 years, 34% > 80 years, median follow up 19 months) underwent laparoscopic ventral rectopexy. There was one recurrence (2%) and one conversion. Morbidity (17%) and mortality (0%) were low. Median operating time was 140 min and median length of stay 2 days. At 3 months, constipation was improved in 72% and  mildly induced in 2% (median pre‐and postoperative Wexner scores 9 vs 4, P < 0.0001). Continence was improved in 83% and mild incontinence was induced or  worsened in 5% (median pre‐ and postoperative incontinence score 40 vs 4, P < 0.0001). Significant improvement in both constipation and incontinence (P < 0.0001) remained at median 24 months late follow‐up. Conclusion Ventral rectopexy has a recurrent prolapse rate of < 5%, similar to that of posterior rectopexy. Its correction of preoperative constipation and avoidance of de novo constipation appear superior to historical functional results of posterior rectopexy. A laparoscopic approach allows low morbidity and short hospital stay, even in those patients over 80 years of age in whom a perineal approach is usually preferred for safety.     

Laparoscopic rectal prolapse surgery combined with short hospital stay is safe in elderly and debilitated patients

Background We report the results of patients treated from January 2000 to June 2004 for full-thickness rectal prolapse with trans-abdominal surgery in Helsinki. Methods Sixty-five of 75 patients were treated laparoscopically, with a 6% conversion rate. Ten patients were operated on openly. Half of the patients were scored as American Society for Anesthesiologists III or IV. Results The operation time was similar in the laparoscopic and the open rectopexy procedures (p = 0.15), whereas laparoscopic resection rectopexy was more time-consuming compared to the open procedure (p = 0.007). Intraoperative bleeding during laparoscopic surgery was minimal in comparison to open surgery (p = 0.006). Patients treated laparoscopically had a shorter median hospital stay than those treated with an open procedure (rectopexy, 3 and 7 days, respectively; resection rectopexy, 4 and 7.5 days, respectively) (p < 0.00001). There was no mortality and minor morbidity. During follow-up, there were two prolapse recurrences. All surgical techniques improved fecal continence considerably. Eighty-four percent of rectopexy patients and 92% of resection rectopexy patients considered the surgical outcome to be excellent or good. Conclusions Both rectopexy and resection rectopexy cure prolapse with good results and can be performed safely in older and debilitated patients. The laparoscopic approach enables a shortened hospital stay and is well tolerated in elderly patients.     

Rectal prolapse in adults--causes, diagnostic, treatment

Despite progress in modern surgery, the choice of the surgical procedure of rectal prolapse is regarded with controversy. Selection criteria between the abdominal or perineal approach or between rectopexy and resection rectopexy are not yet proven. This article gives a review of the literature about rectal prolapse and an analysis of the outcome of posterior rectopexy and resection rectopexy--partly conventionally and partly laparoscopically--in 25 patients with rectal prolapse III degrees and IV degrees. All except for one patient were examined during a mean follow-up of 5.5 (3.1) years for the rectopexy group and 2.1 (0.7) years for the resection rectopexy group. Recurrence occurred in one patient in each group respectively. There was no significant difference concerning the continence function (p = 0.32) and constipation (p = 0.36) between both groups. No mesh-related complications such as infection, fistula or rectum stenosis were observed. According to the review of the literature and our data, we believe that the choice of the operative procedure for rectal prolapse should be based on individual criteria. Fit patients should be offered laparoscopic procedures such as resection rectopexy and rectopexy without colonic resection.     

Posterior rectopexy in total rectal prolapse-

STUDY AIM: The aim of this retrospective study was to report the results of posterior Orr-Loygue rectopexy in 55 patients operated on for rectal prolapse. PATIENTS AND METHOD: From 1986 to 1997, 114 patients were operated on for rectal prolapse and 55 had an Orr-Loygue operation. There were 47 women and 8 men (mean age: 55 years). Twenty-five patients (45%) had fecal incontinence, 26 (47%) described preoperative 'constipation'. The procedure was performed under general anesthesia, through laparotomy in 51 patients, through laparoscopy in 4 patients. Resection of sigmoid colon was associated to rectopexy in four patients. RESULTS: Mortality rate was 0 and morbidity rate 12%. Mean hospital stay duration was 13.5 days. Mean follow-up was 63 months and at the end of the study, four patients (7%) had recurrence, 5/25 patients had still incontinence; 55% of the patients had unchanged postoperative bowel function, 22% described improvement (including the four patients with resection-rectopexy) but 38% (21/55) suffered from postoperative 'constipation'. The rate of 'constipation' induced or majored by rectopexy was 22% but the functional trouble described appeared often complex. CONCLUSION: Posterior Orr-Loygue rectopexy is the operation recommended for patients in good general condition, especially if fecal incontinence is associated. In the course of the procedure, preservation of pelvic nerves and hypogastric plexus, and positioning of the strips not too tight between the anterolateral rectal walls and promontory must be emphasized. Posterior Orr-Loygue rectopexy is contraindicated when general anesthesis is too risky and when bowel dysfunction and/or rectal exoneration dysfunction are present.     

Laparoscopic suture rectopexy for full-thickness anorectal prolapse in children: an effective outpatient procedure

Background/Purpose

Our approach to full-thickness anorectal prolapse has transitioned to laparoscopic suture rectopexy (LSRP). The purpose of this study was to describe the indications, technique, and postoperative outcomes for LSRP.

Methods

Rectopexy was performed using 3 or 4 laparoscopic ports. Redundant rectum was retracted from the pelvis, and the posterior rectal wall was secured to the sacral promontory using 3 permanent sutures.

Results

Nineteen children (7 girls) underwent LSRP from March 2003 to January 2008. Mean age was 6.2 ± 3.6 years. Three patients had prior perineal operations: 2 sacrococcygeal teratoma resections and 1 pull-through for Hirschsprung disease. One patient had cystic fibrosis, and another had Prader-Willi syndrome. The remaining children had either chronic constipation or idiopathic prolapse. All patients were treated preoperatively with laxatives. Two patients received antegrade continent enemas. Length of stay was 1 ± 0.8 days, with only the first 5 patients admitted to the hospital. The patient with Prader-Willi syndrome had a full-thickness recurrence (5%) owing to obsessive-compulsive behavior. Partial mucosal prolapse occurred in 2 patients. There were no other complications.

Conclusions

Laparoscopic suture rectopexy is an effective minimally invasive method to treat full-thickness rectal prolapse in children from various etiologies. It can be performed as an outpatient procedure with minimal morbidity and low recurrence rate (5%).     

Prospective study of the effect of rectopexy on colonic motility in patients with rectal prolapse

BACKGROUND: Patients with rectal prolapse have abnormal hindgut motility. This study examined the effect of rectal prolapse surgery on colonic motility. METHODS: Twelve patients undergoing sutured rectopexy were studied before and 6 months after surgery by colonic manometry, colonic transit study and clinical assessment of bowel function. The results were compared with those from seven control subjects. RESULTS: Before surgery colonic pressure was greater in patients than controls (P < 0.050). Controls responded to a meal stimulus by increasing colonic pressure; this increase was absent in patients. After rectopexy, colonic pressure reduced towards control values and patients' colonic pressure response to a meal returned. High-amplitude propagated contractions (HAPCs) were seen in all controls but in only three patients before and two patients after surgery. Three patients had prolonged colonic transit before and eight after rectopexy. CONCLUSION: Patients with rectal prolapse have abnormal colonic motility associated with reduced HAPC activity. Rectopexy reduces colonic pressure but fails to restore HAPCs, reduce constipation or improve colonic transit. These observations help explain the pathophysiology of constipation associated with rectal prolapse.     

Resection rectopexy for external rectal prolapse reduces constipation and anal incontinence.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The main aim was to examine constipation and anal incontinence in patients before and after resection for external rectal prolapse. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty patients had ligament preserving suture rectopexy and sigmoid resection (resection rectopexy) for external rectal prolapse by laparoscopic (n = 15) or open (n = 5) technique during 2001-2005. They were prospectively evaluated for constipation and anal incontinence using validated incontinence and KESS-constipation scores. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Constipation score was significantly reduced from mean 7.7 (5.4-9.9) to 4.5 (2.5-6.4) after median 4 months (1-19) and to 4.3 (2.2-6.3) after median 17 months (4-51). Six and four patients were constipated preoperatively and 17 months postoperatively, respectively. The four symptoms feeling incomplete evacuation of stool, minutes in lavatory per attempt, use of enemas/digitation and painful evacuation effort were significantly reduced, whilst stool consistency increased. Fourteen patients (70%) had anal incontinence. Corresponding and significant reduction in their scores were from mean 12.5 (9.4-15.5) to 5.1 (2.1-8.1) and to 3.6 (1.3-5.9). Incontinence was improved in 13 and unaltered in one patient(s). Two patients with worse outcome had increased stool consistency and constipation scores. Resection rectopexy for rectal prolapse reduced anal incontinence and constipation.     

Laparoscopic ventral rectopexy, posterior colporrhaphy and vaginal sacrocolpopexy for the treatment of recto-genital prolapse and mechanical outlet obstruction

Objective Whilst trans‐abdominal fixation +/? resection offers better functional results and lower recurrence than perineal procedures, mesh rectopexy is complicated by constipation. Laparoscopic autonomic nerve‐sparing, ventral rectopexy allows correction of the underlying abnormalities of the rectum, vagina, bladder and pelvic floor. Method A prospective database was used to audit our 7‐year experience of this technique. The recto‐vaginal septum was mobilized anteriorly to the pelvic floor avoiding nerve damage. A prolene mesh was sutured to the ventral rectum, posterior vagina and vaginal fornix and secured to the sacral promontory. Patients were assessed with questionnaires and Cleveland Clinic scores. Results Eighty patients, six males, median age 59 years (range 31–90) underwent laparoscopic prolapse surgery between Jan 1997 and Dec 2005; 55% had full thickness prolapse and 46% rectal anal intussusception. Five had a solitary rectal ulcer. A total of 58% had undergone previous surgery; hysterectomy 33%, posterior colporrhaphy 15%, posterior rectopexy 6%, Delorme's rectal mucosectomy 5% and Birch colposuspension 3%. Half (54%) were incontinent (mean Wexner score 11, range 2–17) and 31% reported symptoms of obstructed defecation; seven had slow transit constipation and underwent resection. The median operative time was 125 min (range 50–210) with one conversion. Median time to diet was 12 h and median length of stay 3 days (1–12). No patient has developed recurrent full thickness prolapse at a median follow‐up of 54 months (30–96). Incontinence improved in 39 of 43 patients (91%); median post‐operative Wexner score 1 (0–9). Obstructed defecation resolved in 20 of 25 patients (80%). Pelvic pain resolved in all but one. Complications occurred in 21%; faecal impaction 4%, wound infection 2%, bleeding 2%, leak 1%, chest infection 1%, retention 1%. Three developed minor evacuatory difficulties and two, urinary stress incontinence. Conclusion Laparoscopic ventral rectopexy is safe with relatively low morbidity. In the medium‐term, it provides good results for prolapse and associated symptoms of incontinence and obstructed defecation.     

Successful treatment of rectal prolapse by laparoscopic suture rectopexy

BACKGROUND: A wide variety of procedures are used for management of rectal prolapse. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of laparoscopic suture rectopexy in the treatment of this condition. METHODS: From May 1991 to May 1998, 32 consecutive patients were treated by laparoscopic suture rectopexy. In four of them, an additional sigmoid colectomy was performed for refractory constipation or redundant large bowels. The clinical data were analyzed. RESULTS: Of our 32 patients, 27 were female and five were male. The median age was 51.5 years (range, 20-87). The median operative time was 150 min (range, 90-300), and the median hospital stay was 5 days (range, 2-20). There were no operative mortalities. Three postoperative complications required reoperations for bowel obstructions. At a median follow-up of 33 months (range 3-78), there were two complete recurrences. CONCLUSIONS: Our experience indicates that laparoscopic suture rectopexy, with and without sigmoid colectomy, is safe, feasible, and effective for the treatment of rectal prolapse.