Enterocele is correctable using the Ripstein rectopexy

PURPOSE: About one-third of the patients with rectal prolapse or rectal intussusception have concurrent enterocele at defecography. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the Ripstein procedure on the concurrent enterocele and to study the outcome of the procedure with respect to the patients' symptoms. METHODS: Twenty-two patients with enterocele and either rectal prolapse or rectal intussusception at defecography were treated using the Ripstein procedure. Postoperatively, the patients were evaluated with clinical examination (22 patients) and defecography (16 patients). RESULTS: None of the patients had recurrence of enterocele, rectal prolapse, or intussusception at postoperative follow-up. Continence was improved in 15 of 16 incontinent patients. Emptying difficulties were unchanged in eight patients, improved in five patients, and had deteriorated in four patients. CONCLUSIONS: Enterocele is corrected by using the Ripstein rectopexy. Persisting defecation difficulties after the Ripstein procedure are unlikely to be secondary to enterocele. The Ripstein procedure can be an alternative in the treatment of enterocele, as a majority of these patients also have rectal prolapse or rectal intussusception.     

Internal rectal intussusception—Fact or fancy?

PURPOSE: There is still considerable debate whether internal intussusception represents a functional disorder. We have reviewed our results in an effort to define its symptomatology and to assess defecography. METHODS: Rectopexy has been performed for internal intussusception in 37 patients. Eighteen had solitary rectal ulcer syndrome (SRUS), and 31 had anterior rectal wall prolapse. Defecography demonstrated anterior wall prolapse in 13, circular prolapse in 21, and no disorders in 3 patients. Pelvic floor function was normal. Follow-up varied from one to nine years. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients became asymptomatic. Anterior wall prolapses could not be palpated anymore. All SRUS lesions healed. Patients with SRUS (P<0.001) or circular prolapse (P<0.001) became significantly more asymptomatic. Results in patients with anterior rectal wall prolapse were significantly worse (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Internal intussusception is a distinct functional rectal disorder. Its symptomatology and findings during physical examination are aspecific. Characteristic defecographic features and presence of SRUS are indications for surgery, provided pelvic floor function during straining is normal.     

Defecography

PURPOSE: This study was designed to analyze the frequency of different findings at defecography in patients with defecation disorders and see in what way the evaluation could be improved. METHODS: The reports of investigations in 2,816 patients were analyzed. RESULTS: Twenty-three percent of the investigations were considered normal. Thirty-one percent of the patients had rectal intussusception, 13 percent had rectal prolapse, 27 percent had rectocele, and 19 percent had enterocele. Twenty-one percent of the patients had a combination of two or three of these diagnoses. The combination of rectocele and enterocele was rare. The majority of patients with enterocele had other concomitant findings. Patients with or without abnormal perineal descent had similar frequencies of rectal prolapse, rectal intussusception, and enterocele. Rectocele was more common in patients with abnormal perineal descent. CONCLUSIONS: Defecography is valuable when investigating patients with defecation disorders. Pathologic findings were found in 77 percent of the patients. A standardized protocol should ensure a complete evaluation of defecography.Read in part at the 14th Biennial Congress of University Colon and Rectal Surgeons, Crete, Greece, October 25 to 29, 1992.     

A new grading of rectal internal mucosal prolapse and its correlation with diagnosis and treatment

The management of rectal internal mucosal prolapse (RIMP) is not based on an accepted classification of the lesion which helps to choose the appropriate treatment. The aim of this prospective study was to report a new endoscopic grading of RIMP and to evaluate its clinical value. Thirty-two patients (7 men, 25 women; mean age 56 years, range 28–72) affected by symptomatic RIMP were prospectively classified as follows: RIMP was defined as first degree when detectable below the anorectal ring on straining, as second degree when it reached the dentate line, and as third degree when it reached the anal verge. Anal manometry was carried out in 26 patients, and anal ultrasound and defecography in 6 prior to surgery. A correlation was found between the occurrence and severity of symptoms and the degree of the prolapse as obstructed defecation, bleeding and fecal soiling affected mainly patients with third-degree RIMP. At manometry the maximal resting tone was 60±23 mmHg and voluntary contraction 96±41 mmHg (mean±SEM). At anal ultrasound the mean internal sphincter thickness was 2.1±0.2 mm, and external sphincter thickness was 7.0±0.8 mm. A significant rectocele and rectal intussusception (n=2) and a nonrelaxing puborectalis muscle on straining (n=2) were observed at defecography in cases with third-degree RIMP. The anorectal angle was 100±75° at rest, 63±20° on squeezing, and 115±9° on straining. A conservative treatment with high-fiber diet and/or rubber band ligation was carried out in all cases of first and in most patients with second-degree RIMP (n=26). Those who required surgery, i.e., stapled transanal excision of the prolapse (n=6), had either severely symptomatic third-degree RIMP with solitary ulcer syndrome (n=4) or second-degree RIMP (n=2). A positive outcome was achieved in 71% of cases. The proposed classification evaluated by the present study may be of clinical value in managing rectal internal mucosal prolapse. Accepted: 18 June 1999     

Is rectal intussusception a cause of idiopathic incontinence?

PURPOSE: The cause of rectal intussusception in patients primarily dominated by symptoms of anal incontinence has not been fully elucidated, especially for patients with idiopathic incontinence. METHODS: Between 1991 and 1996, 51 patients referred with a diagnosis of idiopathic incontinence were prospectively evaluated by standard questionnaire, clinical examination, defecography, and anal manometry. Fourteen female patients were identified with rectal intussusception and were treated by transabdominal rectopexy. Postoperatively, clinical assessment and anal manometry were performed at regular intervals. RESULTS: Continence was improved after rectopexy (P<0.01). The postoperative increases in the anal resting pressure, maximum squeeze pressure, and maximum tolerated volume were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Rectopexy improved anal incontinence in patients with rectal intussusception. The cause of rectal intussusception in anal incontinence could not be explained by functional improvement of the internal anal sphincter tone or an increase in the maximum tolerated volume. Rectal intussusception may be a cause of idiopathic incontinence in patients; however, larger prospective studies are required to support this concept.     

The Accuracy of Clinical Examination in the Diagnosis of Rectal Intussusception

PURPOSE: This study was designed to compare routine clinical examination and defecography in the diagnosis of rectal intussusception in constipated patients and study relationships between rectal intussusception and symptoms.METHODS: A total of 127 consecutive patients with functional constipation were examined in the left-lateral position with rectal palpation and rectoscopy according to a protocol. An overall clinical judgment was made if the patient had intussusception, unclear finding, or no intussusception. Defecography was performed without knowledge of the results of the clinical evaluation. Symptom duration varied between 0.5 to 60 (median, 10) years. All patients fulfilled a bowel questionnaire and all had a full physiologic workup.RESULTS: A diagnosis by digital examination (P = 0.002) and by rectoscopy (P = 0.002) as well as the overall judgment (P = 0.0002) was clearly related to a longer intussusception as measured by defecography. Five of six intra-anal intussusceptions were correctly assessed by clinical examination, whereas the correlation to defecography was poor in the group with short intussusceptions. Neither clinical nor defecographic diagnosis of rectal intussusception were related to the main symptoms of constipation but both were associated with a tendency toward lower anal resting pressures (P = 0.04 and P = 0.06) and an obtuse anorectal angle (during evacuation, P = 0.01 and P = 0.01).CONCLUSIONS: There is no clear relationship between rectal intussusception and constipation. However, intussusception is related to sphincter function and may be of clinical relevance. A normal clinical examination will exclude most long intussusceptions, whereas a positive finding needs further evaluation with defecography.Reprints are not available.     

Internal rectal intussusception: Results of surgical repair

Twenty-four patients with obstructed defecation due to rectal intussusception diagnosed by defecography were treated with rectopexy either by the Wells technique (9 patients) or by Orr's operation (15 patients). After follow-up from one to eight years, defecography demonstrated disappearance of the intussusception in 22 patients. None of the patients were completely relieved of their symptoms. Nine (41 percent; 95 percent confidence limits: 21–64) were improved and 13 were unchanged (59 percent; 95 percent confidence limits: 36–79), with no difference between the two procedures. One patient with solitary rectal ulcer was improved, and the ulcer disappeared. Four patients with moderate preoperative incontinence became continent postoperatively, but obstructed defecation was only improved in two of these patients. It is concluded that rectal intussusception is probably a secondary phenomenon in patients with obstructed defecation and that a conservative attitude toward surgery should be adopted.     

Simultaneous defecography and peritoneography in defecation disorders

A number of physiologic and radiologic investigations are used in investigating defecation disorders. Defecography is one important part of these investigations. However, a correct diagnosis of an enterocele is sometimes difficult despite use of contrast media in the rectum, vagina, and small bowel. PURPOSE: This study was undertaken to ascertain if it was technically possible to perform simultaneous defecography and peritoneography in an effort to improve the diagnostic possibilities in patients with defecation disorders. METHODS: Twelve patients with defecation disorders and an unexplained widening of the rectovaginal space at defecography were investigated. Contrast medium was introduced intraperitoneally, after which conventional defecography was performed. RESULTS: All investigations were carried out without complications and demonstrated the peritoneal outline in all patients. Simultaneous defecography and peritoneography differentiated between an enterocele and a pathologically deep pouch of Douglas—a peritoneocele. Three types of peritoneocele were visualized: vaginal peritoneocele, septal peritoneocele, and rectal peritoneocele with or without enterocele. Combinations of the three types were also found. Eight of the 12 patients had rectal intussusception or rectal prolapse. All of these eight patients had a rectal peritoneocele. CONCLUSIONS: Simultaneous defecography and peritoneography can be performed without technical difficulties or complications. Peritoneal outlines and pouches can, therefore, be studied directly during the act of defecation. An unexplained widening of the rectovaginal space at defecography can be clarified as a peritoneocele, with or without an enterocele. Peritoneocele can be of three different types: rectal, septal, or vaginal.Supported by grants from Marianne and Marcus Wallenbergs Stiftelse, Kjell and Märta Beijers Stiftelse, and Karolinska Institutet's research funds.Poster presentation at the meeting of The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, Orlando, Florida, May 8 to 13, 1994.     

Diagnosis of functional disorders of defecation causing the solitary rectal ulcer syndrome

The solitary rectal ulcer and colitis cystica profunda are different manifestations of the solitary rectal ulcer syndrome. The cause of solitary rectal ulcer syndrome remains unknown. Since defecation disorders are common among patients with solitary rectal ulcer syndrome, defecography is indicated. Defecography was performed on 19 patients with solitary rectal ulcer syndrome. In five patients, the spastic pelvic floor syndrome had occurred. Twelve patients had internal intussusception of the rectum, and one patient had an anterior rectal wall prolapse. In one patient, no abnormalities could be detected. These abnormalities led to severe straining, which can damage the anterior rectal wall. Findings strongly support the hypothesis that solitary rectal ulcers are traumatic lesions caused by straining. Defecography is a suitable procedure for detecting the causative disorder of defecation and for selecting patients for treatment. Read at the meeting of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, San Diego, California, May 5 to 10, 1985. No reprints are available.     

Selection criteria for anterior rectal wall repair in symptomatic rectocele and anterior rectal wall prolapse

PURPOSE: This study was undertaken to determine the outcome and changes produced by an endorectal anterior wall repair in objective functional parameters using anorectal manometry and defecography and to asses their usefulness in the selection of patients for the operation. METHODS: Between 1986 and 1990, we performed a prospective study of 76 consecutive patients with symptomatic rectocele and/or an anterior rectal wall prolapse. All patients were studied prospectively according to a fixed protocol. Standard questionnaire, defecation diary, clinical examination, defecography, and anal manometry were performed preoperatively and three to four months postoperatively. RESULTS: Three months postoperatively, 38 patients (50 percent) had no complaints at all (excellent result), 32 (42 percent) had only a minor complaint (good result), and in 6 patients (8 percent) the complaints were essentially unchanged (unsatisfactory result). After one year, similar figures were obtained. The postoperative mean stool frequency in all patients after three months was significantly increased (P <0.05) but not after one year. Postoperative defecographies showed a complete absence or significant diminution of the rectocele at three months and were significantly correlated with relief of symptoms. An inverse correlation was found between improvement in incontinence grade after operation and (larger) preoperative volume at which urge to defecate was elicited, making it a good predictor of improvement in incontinence by the operation. CONCLUSIONS: The anterior rectal wall repair positively influences rectal sensation in patients with incontinence and/or obstructed defecation caused by a rectocele and/or an anterior rectal wall prolapse. Anorectal manometry was useful in studying the beneficial physiologic effects of the endorectal repair. In patients with no previous pelvic surgery, a large urge to defecate volume is a good predictor of a good clinical outcome.     

Toward a selection of the most appropriate procedure in the treatment of complete rectal prolapse

Defecographic evaluation was performed in 30 patients with rectal prolapse to assess the effect of posterior rectopexy on rectal function and to arrive at a selection of the best procedure. Preoperative defecography revealed rectal intussusception in all patients. Postoperative control studies showed adequate rectal fixation to the anterior sacral surface. Intussusception no longer occurred. Rectal stenosis due to the surgical procedure was absent. The described technique of posterior rectopexy eliminates the prolapse mechanism without creating new disorders and is therefore a rational procedure. Advocation of new procedures should also be based on results of colorectal tests that assess the effect of the procedures on rectal function. Read at the meeting of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, Washington, D.C., April 5 to 10, 1987.     

Rectal constipation and clinical decision-making: multiple correspondence analysis of defecographic findings

The aim of this study was to establish the impact of defecography on the management of patients with chronic constipation. The defecographic series of 581 patients (426 women, 155 men, mean age 51 ± 17 years) with evacuation dysfunctions was reviewed. Proper utilization of defecography was investigated by examining the structural interaction between presenting symptoms using a hierarchical log-linear model analysis. Then, to assess the impact of defecography on clinical decision-making, the multiple correspondence analysis was employed to calculate the relationship between eight radiographic findings (rectal prolapse/intussusception, rectocele, perineal descent, outlet obstruction, barium loss, delayed emptying, residue and rectal enlargement) and six clinical features (fecal blockade, provoked evacuation, tenesmus, feeling of prolapse, incontinence and mucus discharge) which occurred most frequently in the population under study. At the hierarchical log-linear analysis no more than one second-order three-symptom (i.e. fecal blockade, provoked evacuation and mucus discharge) and six first-order two-symptom interactions (including all other symptoms combined in various ways) were obtained, giving no evidence of overutilization of defecography in our constipated group. A close association (inertia, 34.4%) was found at the multiple correspondence analysis between delayed emptying, residue, outlet obstruction and rectal enlargement (relative weight 27.1%, 20.2%, 19.6% and 8.5%, respectively). Our results suggest labeling the first subdimension as the need for a conservative approach, while the second subdimension is surgery. The main value of defecography in chronic constipation is as a simple exploratory method for selecting patients who require admission to biofeedback and pelvic floor re-education. Received: 6 April 1999 / Accepted in revised form: 17 July 1999     

Dynamic pelvic three-dimensional computed tomography for investigation of pelvic abnormalities in patients with rectocele and rectal prolapse

Background Dynamic three-dimensional computed tomography (D-3DCT: high-speed helical scanning during defecation) was used for morphological evaluation of intrapelvic structures in patients with rectal prolapse and rectocele. Methods Twenty-five patients with rectal prolapse or rectocele diagnosed by conventional defecography (CD) or clinical findings were additionally investigated with D-3DCT. D-3DCT images were acquired using a multislice CT system with a 16-row detector during simulated defecation. Helical scanning was performed with a slice thickness of 1 mm, a helical pitch of 15 s/rotation, and a table movement speed of 35 mm/s. The contrast medium, 100 ml of iopamidol (370 mg/ml), was injected at a rate of 2.5 ml/s to enhance contrast with other structures, and scan start was triggered by using a function for automatically determining the optimal scan timing. Results Among the eight patients with rectocele, additional intrapelvic disorders were diagnosed in five (enterocele, 4; cystocele, 1; and uterine prolapse, 1) with D-3DCT. In the 17 patients with rectal prolapse, concomitant intrapelvic disorders were found in six (intussusception, 3; cystocele, 2; uterine prolapse, 2; rectocele, 1; and vaginal prolapse, 1). Conclusions D-3DCT can be a useful diagnostic tool for investigation of pelvic pathology in patients with rectocele and rectal prolapse.     

Selection criteria for internal rectal prolapse repair by delorme's transrectal excision

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to review our results of Delorme's transrectal excision for internal rectal prolapse, with a view to determining preoperative selection criteria associated with a satisfactory outcome. METHODS: Between 1992 and 1998, 20 patients with internal rectal prolapse underwent Delorme's transrectal excision. The last patient was excluded from the study because of a follow-up period shorter than six months. The remaining 19 patients were prospectively followed up and classified into two groups according to their preoperative selection criteria. Group I consisted of eight patients operated on between January 1992 and October 1993 who were selected for surgery after medical treatment during a three-month period failed to improve symptoms. Initial results were reviewed, with a follow-up of at least six months, to assess predictive criteria correlating with poorer surgical outcome. These adverse criteria were used to exclude patients from selection into Group II, which included 11 patients operated on between June 1994 and June 1997. In each group the degree of improvement of symptoms was graded: Grade 1 = complete improvement with resolution of all symptoms; Grade 2 = significant improvement with resolution of dyschezia but not of other symptoms; Grade 3 = no improvement; and Grade 4 = worsened condition or reoperation. The two groups were compared according to ultimate outcomes. RESULTS: Of the Group I patients, three had preoperative chronic diarrhea, one had proximal internal rectal prolapse with rectosacral separation at defecography, and the other two were incontinent to liquid stool. An additional patient had incontinence to liquid stool but no diarrhea. Three other patients had major perineal descent (>9 cm). Results were Grade 1 for one patient, Grade 2 for one patient, Grade 3 for five patients, and Grade 4 for one patient (subsequent abdominal rectopexy). Data review showed that proximal internal prolapse with rectosacral separation at defecography, preoperative chronic diarrhea, fecal incontinence, and descending perineum (>9 cm on straining) were associated with a poorer outcome (Grades 3 and 4). These adverse criteria were used to exclude patients from selection into Group II. In this group results were Grade 1 for seven patients and Grade 2 for four patients. During the course of follow-up (mean, 43; standard deviation, 19; range, 8-73 months), outcome was better in Group II (P = 0.007). CONCLUSION. These data suggest that a favorable outcome can be achieved after Delorme's transrectal excision for internal rectal prolapse by applying stringent patient-selection criteria.     

Outcome and management of patients with large rectoanal intussusception

OBJECTIVES: Rectoanal intussusception is the funnel-shaped infolding of the rectum, which occurs during evacuation. The aims of this study were to evaluate the risk of full thickness rectal prolapse during follow-up of patients with large rectoanal intussusception, and whether therapy improved functional outcome. METHODS: Between September 1988 and July 1997, patients diagnosed with a large rectoanal intussusception by cinedefecography (intussusception > or = 10 mm, extending into the anal canal) were retrospectively evaluated. Patients with full thickness rectal prolapse on physical examination or cinedefecography were excluded, as were patients with colonic inertia or a history of surgery for rectal prolapse. The patients were divided into three groups according to the treatment received: group I, conservative dietary therapy; group II, biofeedback; and group III, surgery. Outcomes were obtained by postal questionnaires or telephone interviews. Parameters included age, gender, past medical and surgical history, change of bowel habits, fecal incontinence score, and development of full thickness rectal prolapse. RESULTS: Of the 63 patients, 18 were excluded (seven patients had confirmed full thickness rectal prolapse, four had previous surgery for rectal prolapse, three had colonic inertia, and four died). Follow-up data were obtained in 36 (80%) of the remaining 45 patients. The mean follow-up of this group was 45 months (range, 12-118 months). There were 34 women and two men, with a mean age of 72.4 yr (range, 37-91 yr). The mean size of the intussusception was 2.2 cm (range, 1.0-5.0 cm). The patients were classified as follows: group I, 13 patients (36.1%); group II, 13 patients (36.1%); and group III, 10 patients (27.8%). Subjectively, symptoms improved in five (38.5%), four (30.8%), and six (60.0%) patients in the three groups (p > 0.05). Among the patients with constipation, the decrease in numbers of assisted bowel movements per week (time of diagnosis to present) was significantly greater in group II compared to group 1 (8.1+/-2.8 vs 0.8+/-0.5, respectively, p = 0.004). Among the patients with incontinence, incontinence scores improved more in group II as compared to either group I or group III (time of diagnosis to present, 3.7+/-4.2 to 1.1+/-5.4 vs 1.4+/-2.2, respectively, p > 0.05). Six patients (two in group I, three in group II, and one in group III) had the sensation of rectal prolapse on evacuation; however, only one patient in group I developed full thickness rectal prolapse. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that the risk of full thickness rectal prolapse developing in patients medically treated for large intussusception is very small (1/26, 3.8%). Moreover, biofeedback is beneficial to improve the symptoms of both constipation and incontinence in these patients. Therefore, biofeedback should be considered as the initial therapy of choice for large rectoanal intussusception.     

Comparative outcome of stapled trans-anal rectal resection and macrogol in the treatment of defecation disorders

AIM:To prospectively assess the eff icacy and safety of stapled trans-anal rectal resection(STARR) compared to standard conservative treatment,and whether preoperative symptoms and findings at defecography and anorectal manometry can predict the outcome of STARR.METHODS:Thirty patients(Female,28;age:51 ± 9 years) with rectocele or rectal intussusception,a defecation disorder,and functional constipation were submitted for STARR.Thirty comparable patients(Female,30;age 53 ± 13 years),who presented with sympto...     

An analysis of rectal morphology in obstructed defaecation

Obstructed defaecation in the descending perineum syndrome has been attributed to anterior mucosal prolapse. Manometric and radiological measurements together with evacuation proctograms in 49 patients with obstructed defaecation and normal whole gut transit times were carried out and compared in a total of 25 controls. Proctography delineated four groups: (I) puborectalis accentuation,n=11; (II) rectal intussusception,n=25; (III) anterior rectal wall prolapse,n=11; (IV) rectocele,n=2. The anorectal angle at rest, maximum basal sphincter pressures and the rectoanal inhibitory reflex did not differ between the groups and controls. Group III achieved a greater increase in anorectal angle on straining than controls. Groups II and III exhibited significant perineal descent below the pubococcygeal line whereas group I did not. In perineal descent intussusception was the commonest morphological abnormality associated with obstructed defaecation. Isolated anterior mucosal prolapse was not observed, making local treatment aimed at reducing its bulk questionable.     

Continence is improved after the ripstein rectopexy

PURPOSE: This study was undertaken to evaluate anal manometric changes after Ripstein's operation for rectal prolapse and rectal intussusception and to study the clinical outcome following the operation, with special reference to anal incontinence. METHODS: Forty-two patients with rectal prolapse or rectal intussusception were subjected to anorectal manometry preoperatively and seven days and six months postoperatively. A detailed history was obtained from each patient preoperatively and six months postoperatively. RESULTS: Preoperatively, patients with rectal intussusception had higher maximum resting pressure (MRP) (52±23 mmHg) than patients with rectal prolapse (34±20 mmHg;P <0.01). In the group of patients with rectal prolapse, there was a postoperative increase in MRP after six months (P <0.001) but not after seven days. Maximum squeeze pressure (MSP) did not increase. Neither MRP nor MSP increased postoperatively in patients with internal rectal procidentia. Continence was improved postoperatively both in patients with rectal prolapse (P <0.01) and rectal intussusception (P <0.01). There was no postoperative increase in rectal emptying difficulties. CONCLUSION: Ripstein's operation often improved anal continence in patients with rectal prolapse and rectal intussusception. This improvement was accompanied by increased MRP in patients with rectal prolapse, indicating recovery of internal anal sphincter function. No postoperative increase in MRP was found in patients with rectal intussusception. This suggests an alternate mechanism of improvement in patients with rectal intussusception.Supported by grants from Kjell and Märta Beijers Stiftelse and Marianne and Marcus Wallenbergs Stiftelse.     

Quality of life, symptoms of dyschezia, and anatomy after correction of rectal motility disorder

AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the quality of life of patients suffering from dyschezia and its correlation with symptomatic complaints and anatomical abnormalities, before and after elective surgery for rectal static disorder.PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective study was conducted using a general quality of life questionnaire (SF36) and a constipation specific score (PAC-QoL), a dyschezia symptom score, and defecography.RESULTS: Thirty-eight female dyschesic patients (mean age 54 years) underwent surgery for rectocele with (n=16) or without (n=14) internal rectal prolapse, an isolated internal rectal prolapse (n=3), or a total rectal prolapse (n=5). Preoperative quality of life was low, correlated with the intensity of dyschezia. Seven months after surgery, quality of life and dyschezia improved independently of the amplitude of the anatomical correction. More items improved in the constipation specific score than on the quality of life questionnaire; they were correlated with the course of dyschezia symptoms. Neither incontinence nor irritable bowel syndrome affected evolution of the symptoms.CONCLUSION: Surgery improved initially low quality of life and symptomatic complaints in patients with dyschezia and a rectal static disorder, independently of anatomic repair. Differences in changes observed in the PAC-QoL and SF36 suggest different fields of application.