Anorectal Disease

Surgical approaches for complete rectal prolapse

Complete rectal prolapse, characterized by the protrusion of the rectal wall layers through the anal canal, poses significant treatment challenges, particularly due to controversies surrounding surgical approaches and the absence of a standardized assessment system. This study comprehensively reviews the main surgical techniques for complete rectal prolapse, categorized as transabdominal and transperineal/transanal procedures. Despite various techniques, challenges persist, including high recurrence rates and potential complications. Factors influencing the choice of the surgical approach include patient characteristics, symptomatology, and surgical expertise. With advances in medical technology, laparoscopic and robotic surgeries offer promising avenues, albeit with considerations of cost and accessibility. Ultimately, treatment plans tailored to the individual needs of the patient and surgical expertise are essential. Although controversies remain, the continued refinement of surgical techniques holds promise for improving outcomes in complete rectal prolapse surgery.

Modified perineal linear stapler resection for external rectal prolapse

Background

rectal prolapse can cause bleeding and fecal incontinence that affects the life quality of patients. The treatment of external rectal prolapse is surgical. There are many procedures (abdominal or perineal) that can be used depending on the severity of the condition and patient tolerability for operation. In this study, a simple safe procedure is used for the treatment of the rectal prolapse in old, fragile and comorbid patients who cannot withstand the major surgeries and the risk of long-duration anesthesia.

Methods

from December 2016 to July 2019, 36 elderly comorbid patients with rectal prolapse were involved in this study which is performed in the GIT surgery unit of Zagazig University Hospital. A modified linear stapler resection technique is used for the rectal prolapse. Postoperative follow up was done for one year to evaluate the functional outcome, operative time, hospital stay duration and complications.

Result

this study was conducted on 36 patients; The median age was 75 years (range 48-95). The postoperative complication rate was 11.1%. The median operative time was 25 min and 4 days for the hospital stay. Fecal incontinence improved in more than 90% of patients and constipation disappeared in 66% of total constipating patients.

Conclusion

The modified perineal linear stapler resection for external rectal prolapse is a good, easy, rapid treatment for elderly comorbid patients with good functional outcomes.

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are normal vascular structures underlying the distal rectal mucosa and anoderm. Symptomatic hemorrhoidal tissues located above the dentate line are referred to as internal hemorrhoids and produce bleeding and prolapse. Thrombosis in external hemorrhoids results in painful swelling. Symptomatic internal hemorrhoids that fail bowel management programs may be amenable to in-office treatment with rubber band ligation or infrared coagulation. Internal hemorrhoids that fail to respond to these measures or complex internal and external hemorrhoidal disease may require a surgical hemorrhoidectomy, either open or closed. A stapled hemorrhoidopexy treats symptomatic internal hemorrhoids and should be employed with care and only after thorough training of the surgeon because of the risk of rare, severe complications. The choice of procedure should be based on the patient's symptoms, the extent of the hemorrhoidal disease, and the experience of the surgeon.

Functional outcome after perineal stapled prolapse resection for external rectal prolapse

Background

A new surgical technique, the Perineal Stapled Prolapse resection (PSP) for external rectal prolapse was introduced in a feasibility study in 2008. This study now presents the first results of a larger patient group with functional outcome in a mid-term follow-up.

Methods

From December 2007 to April 2009 PSP was performed by the same surgeon team on patients with external rectal prolapse. The prolapse was completely pulled out and then axially cut open with a linear stapler at three and nine o'clock in lithotomy position. Finally, the prolapse was resected stepwise with the curved Contour^® Transtar™ stapler at the prolapse's uptake. Perioperative morbidity and functional outcome were prospectively measured by appropriate scores.

Results

32 patients participated in the study; median age was 80 years (range 26-93). No intraoperative complications and 6.3% minor postoperative complications occurred. Median operation time was 30 minutes (15-65), hospital stay 5 days (2-19). Functional outcome data were available in 31 of the patients after a median follow-up of 6 months (4-22). Preoperative severe faecal incontinence disappeared postoperatively in 90% of patients with a reduction of the median Wexner score from 16 (4-20) to 1 (0-14) (P < 0.0001). No new incidence of constipation was reported.

Conclusions

The PSP is an elegant, fast and safe procedure, with good functional results.

Trial registration

ISRCTN68491191