Rectal prolapse and anal incontinence treated with a modified Roscoe Graham operation

The results of abdominal mobilization of the rectum and repair of the pelvic floor behind the anorectal junction are reported in 23 patients with rectal prolapse, being accompanied by some form of anal incontinence in 12. Within 20 months, on the average, three patients had recurrent prolapse. Two thirds of the patients with incontinence for solid and/or fluid feces were cured for prolapse as well as incontinence. Seven became constipated, while 14 were fully satisfied. Seven of eight patients with a highly reduced tone of the external sphincter before surgery had a marked improvement after surgery. The results do not differ greatly from those after the suspension operation or repair of the pelvic floor in front of the rectum, despite being more physiologic, but suggest that simultaneous suspension and abdominal repair of the pelvic floor may avoid the need for a secondary postanal repair from below in patients with persistent incontinence after suspension surgery. A controlled, randomized trial is advocated.