Rectal prolapse. Clinical studies on rectal prolapse

A series of 164 patients with procidentia recti has been studied. Symptoms are sensation of obstruction, difficulties in emptying the bowel, proctitis, incontinence, reduced tonus of anal sphincters, and complete rectal prolapse. During I the rectum prolapses only under increased intraabdominal pressure and retracts spontaneously. Massive prolapse (stage II) often occurs without increased intraabdominal pressure and has to be reposited manually. Best results are obtained by fixing the mobilised rectum in the hollow of the sacrum as described by Wells in 1959 or by Ripstein in 1969. In bad risk patients a sublevatoric wire can be used. Most patients have satisfactory continence postoperatively without a corresponding physiological tonus of anal sphincters.