Rectopexy without resection for rectal prolapse

Suture rectopexy versus ventral mesh rectopexy for complete full-thickness rectal prolapse and intussusception: systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare recurrence rates of rectal prolapse following ventral mesh rectopexy (VMR) and suture rectopexy (SR).

Methods

MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched for studies reporting on the recurrence rates of complete rectal prolapse (CRP) or intussusception (IS) after SR and VMR. Results were pooled and procedures compared; a subgroup analysis was performed comparing patients with CRP and IS who underwent VMR using biological versus synthetic meshes. A meta-analysis of studies comparing SR and VMR was undertaken. The Methodological Items for Non-Randomized Studies score, the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale, and the Cochrane Collaboration tool were used to assess the quality of studies.

Results

Twenty-two studies with 976 patients were included in the SR group and 31 studies with 1605 patients in the VMR group; among these studies, five were eligible for meta-analysis. Overall, in patients with CRP, the recurrence rate was 8.6 per cent after SR and 3.7 per cent after VMR (P < 0.001). However, in patients with IS treated using VMR, the recurrence rate was 9.7 per cent. Recurrence rates after VMR did not differ with use of biological or synthetic mesh in patients treated for CRP (4.1 versus 3.6 per cent; P = 0.789) and or IS (11.4 versus 11.0 per cent; P = 0.902). Results from the meta-analysis showed high heterogeneity, and the difference in recurrence rates between SR and VMR groups was not statistically significant (P = 0.76).

Conclusion

Although the systematic review showed a higher recurrence rate after SR than VMR for treatment of CRP, this result was not confirmed by meta-analysis. Therefore, robust RCTs comparing SR and biological VMR are required.

Assessing the previously repaired patient with an anorectal malformation who is not doing well

In this review, the care of children with a previously repaired anorectal malformation is explored. We know that the surgical care of children with anorectal malformations is complex; however, despite an increased understanding of the congenital anomaly and significant technical advances in the operative repair, many of these children continue to have poor functional outcomes. In this article we focus on the common surgical complications, discuss typical presentations, consider appropriate investigations, and review the risks and benefits of revisional surgery in those patients that are 'not doing well' following their primary reconstruction.

Vaginal cuff perforation during robotic-assisted mesh recto-sacrocolpopexy

INTRODUCTION

We report on the management of intraoperative vaginal cuff perforation during robotic-assisted mesh recto-sacrocolpopexy for vaginal vault prolapse with defecatory dysfunction.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 75-year-old woman with vaginal bulge and constipation was to undergo a joint robotic mesh recto-sacrocolpopexy. Intraoperatively, mesh was secured to the left posterior vaginal wall following dissection. Prior to contralateral suture placement, the vaginal cuff split open and exposed an end-to-end anastomotic sizer previously inserted in the vagina. Due to subsequent mesh erosion risk, we proceeded with vaginotomy closure with running and interrupted absorbable sutures, removal of mesh, direct suture rectopexy to the promontory, and enterocele defect correction by reapproximating the right and left wings of the peritoneum flaps over the rectum with running sutures. Patient reported satisfactory outcomes after 2 years.

CONCLUSION

We reviewed our experience with vaginal cuff perforation during robotic-assisted mesh recto-sacrocolpopexy prompting enterocele repair and rectopexy without mesh.

High-grade hemorrhoids requiring surgical treatment are common after laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy

Purpose

To describe patients developing grade III and IV hemorrhoids requiring surgery after laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy (LVMR) and to explore the relationship between developing such hemorrhoids and recurrence of rectal prolapse after LVMR.

Methods

All consecutive patients receiving LVMR at the Meander Medical Centre, Amersfoort, the Netherlands, between 2004 and 2013 were analyzed. Kaplan–Meier estimates were calculated for recurrences.

Results

A total of 420 patients underwent LVMR. Sixty-five of these patients (actuarial 5-year incidence 24.3, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 18.6–30.0) developed symptomatic grade III/IV hemorrhoids requiring stapled or excisional hemorrhoidectomy. Re-do surgery for recurrent grade III/IV hemorrhoids was required for 15 of the 65 patients (actuarial 5-year recurrence rate 40.6, 95 % CI 23.2–58.0) after the primary hemorrhoidectomy. Three of the 65 patients developed an external rectal prolapse (ERP) recurrence and eight an internal rectal prolapse (IRP) recurrence. This generated a 5-year recurrence rate of 25.3 % (95 % CI 0–53.9) for ERP recurrence and 24.4 % (95 % CI 9.1–39.7) for IRP recurrence. The rest of the LVMR cohort not receiving additional surgery for hemorrhoids (n = 355) showed significantly lower actuarial 5-year ERP (0.8 %, p = 0.011) and IRP (11 %, p = 0.020) recurrence rates.

Conclusion

High-grade hemorrhoids requiring surgery may be common after LVMR. The development of high-grade hemorrhoids after LVMR might be considered a predictor of rectal prolapse recurrence.

Rectal prolapse

Rectal prolapse is a condition that usually requires surgical intervention to correct. Abdominal and perineal approaches are well described in the literature. Abdominal approaches have traditionally been reserved for young healthy patients, but this has been challenged by perineal approaches with excellent outcomes. Laparoscopic techniques have been shown to be effective and equivalent to traditional laparotomy techniques.

Abdominal approaches for rectal prolapse

The management of full-thickness rectal prolapse involves surgical intervention in the majority of cases. Many procedures have been described employing both perineal and abdominal approaches. Abdominal procedures result in more durable repair of the prolapse; however, the procedures require general anesthesia and are reserved for younger healthier patients. Laparoscopy has been utilized in the treatment of rectal prolapse since its introduction for colorectal procedures; recent studies have found equivalent long-term results and short-term outcomes.

A new technique for suture rectopexy without resection for rectal prolapse

BACKGROUND

We surmised that if rectopexy was performed without dissection of the lateral rectal stalks in patients with full-thickness rectal prolapse and normal preoperative transit, sigmoid resection may not be required. This study evaluated a new approach to abdominal suture rectopexy for rectal prolapse.

METHODS

A total of 81 patients (57 male, 24 female; median age 37 years, range 5-82 years) with rectal prolapse were assessed by clinical examination, anal manometry (maximum resting pressure, MRP, and squeeze pressure, MSP) and radioopaque marker transit studies. Of the 81 patients, 70 with normal preoperative transit underwent suture fixation alone, without resection, performed under spinal anaesthesia, through a 7-cm transverse left lower quadrant incision gaining access to the presacral space via a left pararectal "window", preserving the lateral stalks.

RESULTS

Average surgical time was 50 min, mortality was zero, and morbidity was 9% (three patients with wound infection, four with urinary retention). Anal incontinence improved in 43 of 53 patients (81%, p=0.001). MRP and MSP had improved at 3 months after surgery: MRP from a mean of 27.6+/-1.4 mmHg (range 2-30 mmHg) before surgery to 32.5+/-2.21 mmHg (2-60 mmHg) after surgery (p=0.008); MSP from 69.25+/-6.4 mmHg (8-153 mmHg) before surgery to 79+/-4.77 mmHg (35-157 mmHg) after surgery (p=0.001).. Transit was unchanged in 18 of 20 patients (90%) who were evaluated before and after surgery; none was constipated after surgery. At 56 months, prolapse had recurred in five patients (7%).

CONCLUSION

Abdominal suture rectopexy with a left pararectal approach without sigmoid resection in those with normal preoperative transit resulted in an improvement in anal incontinence and satisfactory long-term control of prolapse. The operation did not alter transit and did not result in significant constipation.

Overt rectal prolapse and fecal incontinence

PURPOSE

Rectal prolapse is frequently associated with fecal incontinence; however, the relationship is questionable. The study was designed to evaluate fecal incontinence in a large consecutive series of patients who suffered from rectal prolapse, focusing on both past history, anal physiology, and imaging.

METHODS

Eighty-eight consecutive patients who suffered from an overt rectal prolapse (72 women, 16 men; mean age, 51.1 +/- 19.5 years) as a main symptom were analyzed; 48 patients also experienced fecal incontinence compared with 40 without incontinence. Logistic regression analyses were performed.

RESULTS

The two groups of patients did not differ with respect to parity, weekly stool frequency, main duration of symptoms before referral, occurrence of dyschezia, and digital help to defecate. Patients with prolapse who were older than 45 years (odds ratio (OR), 4.51 (1.49-13.62); P = 0.007) and those with a past history of hemorrhoidectomy (OR, 9.05 (1.68-48.8); P = 0.01) were significantly more incontinent. Incontinent group showed frequent internal anal sphincter defect compared with the continent group (60 vs. 6.2 percent; P = 0.0018).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with overt rectal prolapse, the occurrence of fecal incontinence needs special consideration for age and previous hemorrhoid surgery as causative factors. Anal weakness and sphincter defects are frequently observed.

[Rectal prolapse. Abdominal or perineal approach? Current situation]

Rectal prolapse is a major challenge for the surgeon who has to resolve the anatomical problem and the functional disturbances in the same procedure. Abdominal procedures are the most appropriate in young patients, and the most common technique is rectopexia with or without resection. The use of mesh or sutures provides the same results and the choice depends on the surgeon's preference. Laparoscopic surgery has been demonstrated to have similar efficacy to conventional surgery and may become the option of the future. The perineal approach is the best option in elderly patients and in those with associated morbidity; the Delorme technique is simple to carry out, but rectosigmoidectomy provides better results.

Long-term outcome after laparoscopic and open surgery for rectal prolapse: a case-control study

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic repair (LR) of rectal prolapse is potentially associated with earlier recovery and lower perioperative morbidity, as compared with open transabdominal repair (OR). Data on the long-term recurrence rate and functional outcome are limited.

METHODS

Perioperative data on rectal prolapse in relation to all LRs performed between December 1991 and April 2004 were prospectively collected. The LR patients were matched by age, gender, and procedure type with OR patients who underwent surgery during the same period. Patients with previous complex abdominal surgery or a body mass index exceeding 40 were excluded from the study. Data on recurrence rate, bowel habits, continence, and satisfaction scores were collected using a telephone survey.

RESULTS

A total of 111 patients (age, 56.8 +/- 18.1 years; female, 87%) underwent attempted LR. An operative complication deferred repair in two cases. Among the 111 patients, 42 had posterior mesh fixation, and 67 had sutured rectopexy (32 patients with sigmoid colectomy for constipation). Eight patients (7.2%) had conversion to laparotomy. Matching was established for 86 patients. The LR patients had a shorter hospital stay (mean, 3.9 vs 6.0 days; p < 0.0001). The 30-day reoperation and readmission rates were similar for the two groups. The rates for recurrence requiring surgery were 9.3% for LR and 4.7% for OR (p = 0.39) during a mean follow-up period of 59 months. An additional seven patients in each group reported possible recurrence by telephone. Postoperatively, 35% of the LR patients and 53% of the OR patients experienced constipation (p = 0.09). Constipation was improved in 74% of the LR patients and 54% of the OR patients, and worsened, respectively, in 3% and 17% (p = 0.037). The postoperative incontinence rates were 30% for LR and 33% for OR (p = 0.83). Continence was improved in 48% of the LR patients and 35% of the OR patients, and worsened, respectively, in 9% and 18% (p = 0.22). The mean satisfaction rates for surgery (on a scale of 0 to 10) were 7.3 for the LR patients and 8.1 for the OR patients (p = 0.17).

CONCLUSIONS

The hospital stay is shorter for LR than for OR. Both functional results and recurrent full-thickness rectal prolapse were similar for LR and OR during a mean follow-up period of 5 years.

Rectal intussusception: a study of rectal biomechanics and visceroperception

OBJECTIVES

Rectal intussusception (RI) is a significant cause of morbidity amongst those with a rectal evacuatory disorder. The pathophysiology is unknown, but may involve abnormal biomechanics of the rectal wall similar to that previously demonstrated in patients with overt rectal prolapse (RP). Using an electromechanical barostat, this study aimed to investigate the biomechanics and visceroperception of the rectal wall in patients with RI.

METHODS

Twenty consecutive patients (12 females, median age 46 yr (range 24-66)) with symptomatic, full-thickness RI were studied. Patients underwent assessment of rectal compliance, visceroperception, adaptive response to isobaric distension at urge threshold, and assessment of the postprandial response. Results were compared with those obtained in 28 asymptomatic volunteers, 10 with RI (6 females, median age 29 yr (range 21-36)) and 18 (9 females, median age 33 yr (range 21-62)) without.

RESULTS

In the absence of the clinical finding of solitary rectal ulcer syndrome (SRUS), patients with symptomatic RI have normal rectal wall biomechanics, as do asymptomatic volunteers with RI (p < 0.05). Patients with the clinical finding of SRUS had reduced compliance and adaptation. In all three groups, there was a linear relationship between rectal pressure and visceroperception. The postprandial contractile response was similar between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with RI have normal rectal wall biomechanics. This is in contrast to patients with RP, and suggests that while they may represent different stages of the same disease process, they are physiologically distinct. In patients with RI and SRUS, rectal wall inflammation and fibrosis, perhaps arising secondary to the intussusception, may explain the physiological changes observed.

Complete rectal prolapse in young patients: psychiatric disease a risk factor of poor outcome

OBJECTIVE

Complete rectal prolapse is rare before the age of 50. The aim of our study was to identify the risk factors of total rectal prolapse before this age and to determine the surgical outcome in this specific group of patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The charts of all patients, younger than 50 years old, treated for total rectal prolapse between June 1995 and December 2001 were reviewed. Associated conditions were noted and pre and postoperative functions were compared in regards of constipation and evacuations problems, anal continence (Wexner score), recurrent prolapse and overall satisfaction. All patients underwent an abdominal rectopexy according to the Orr-Loygue procedure.

RESULTS

During the study period, 28 patients (21 females) with a mean age of 34 +/- 9 years were treated for a total rectal prolapse in our institution. Five patient (17.8%) had minor complications. After a mean follow up of 25 months, the global continence improved significantly (Wexner score: 4.9 vs 2; P = 0.014): 8 patients suffering from liquid stools incontinence before surgery were continent after rectopexy, while 2 continent patients became incontinent to liquid stools after surgery. Fourteen patients had chronic psychiatric disease requiring permanent treatment. These patients suffered more frequently from constipation (12/14 vs 5/14; P =0.006) and required more often a digital evacuation before surgery (6/14 vs 1/14; P = 0.07) than non psychiatric patients. They also suffered from more severe constipation and required more enemas after surgery (1/14 vs 6/12; P = 0.03) compared to patients without psychiatric disease. The only two patients, who had recurrence also had psychiatric disease.

CONCLUSION

Chronic psychiatric disease requiring long-term medication is observed in 50% of patients with total rectal prolapse under the age of 50 years. Moreover, the medically induced constipation in these patients could represent a cause of poorer functional outcome. Therefore, we recommend the identification of this preoperative risk factor to assess the results of total rectal prolapse treatment in patients younger than 50 years of age.

Surgical management of combined rectal and genital prolapse in young patients: transabdominal approach

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to determine the anatomical and functional outcomes of the simultaneous treatment of combined rectal and genital prolapse in young patients.

METHODS

Between March 2001 and June 2002, eight female patients with symptomatic rectal and genital prolapse were enrolled in this study. The median age at the time of presentation was 44 years (range 34-53). All patients underwent simultaneous transabdominal treatment of their combined prolapse. Genital prolapse was treated by colpohysteropexy. Rectal prolapse was treated by mesh rectopexy or sutured rectopexy associated with sigmoid resection. The end evaluation to assess long-term results was performed after a median duration of follow-up of 17 months (range 10-24). Patients were asked about current problems with constipation, use of laxatives, incontinence and recurrence.

RESULTS

The postoperative course was uneventful in 7 out of 8 cases. None of the patients had recurrence. Three patients out of 6 remained constipated postoperatively. One patient had a new onset of constipation postoperatively. None of the patients became faecally incontinent. Seven patients (87%) stated that they had improved overall after surgery.

CONCLUSION

Combined rectal and genital prolapse in young women can be safely treated simultaneously using an abdominal approach. The genital prolapse should be treated by colpohysteropexy. The rectal prolapse should be treated by mesh rectopexy in patients who are not constipated, and by sutured rectopexy plus sigmoid resection in patients who are constipated preoperatively.

Effects of rectal mobilization and lateral ligaments division on colonic and anorectal function

PURPOSE

Colonic and anorectal function are altered after posterior rectopexy. The aim of this randomized, prospective study was to evaluate the effects of rectal mobilization and division of the lateral ligaments on colonic and anorectal function.

METHODS

Posterior rectopexy was performed in 18 patients with complete rectal prolapse. Anal manometry and measurement of rectal compliance, total and segmental colonic transit time, constipation score, and defecation frequency were performed preoperatively and three months postoperatively. Ligaments were divided in ten patients.

RESULTS

Mean preoperative total transit time was similar between the two patient groups and doubled postoperatively (P = 0.03). Mean postoperative segmental transit time increased by a factor of 1.7 in segments I (ascending colon) and II (descending colon) and by a factor of 2.3 in segment III (rectosigmoid). The same pattern was found in both groups. Mean resting pressure decreased after division of the lateral ligaments and increased after preservation. Mean rectal compliance decreased after division of the ligaments and increased when they were preserved. Mean postoperative constipation score differed little from the preoperative score. Mean defecation frequency was decreased in the group with the ligaments preserved and increased in the group with the ligaments divided. None of the effects of rectal mobilization or division of the lateral ligaments on anorectal function reached statistical significance.

CONCLUSION

Rectal mobilization had a statistically significant effect on colonic function. Total and segmental colonic transit times doubled. The effects on anorectal function were not significant. Division of the lateral ligaments did not significantly influence postoperative functional outcome.

Laparoscopic suture rectopexy without resection is effective treatment for full-thickness rectal prolapse

PURPOSE

The study was undertaken to evaluate the role of laparoscopic suture rectopexy without resection as a safe and effective treatment for full-thickness rectal prolapse.

METHOD

Data were prospectively collected and analyzed on 25 patients who underwent laparoscopic rectopexy without resection for full-thickness rectal prolapse between October 1994 and July 1998. Four patients had conversions from laparoscopic to open surgery. Two patients had recurrent prolapse previously managed by Delorme's procedure. Another two patients had solitary rectal ulcer syndrome associated with their full-thickness rectal prolapse. There were a total of three males. Mean age was 72 (range, 37-89) years. The preoperative and postoperative course of each patient was followed up, with attention paid to first bowel movement, hospital stay, duration of surgery, fecal incontinence, constipation, recurrent prolapse, morbidity, and mortality. Follow-up was made by clinic appointments and, if necessary, by telephone review.

RESULTS

Median follow-up period was 26 (range, 1-41) months. Mean duration of surgery was 96 (range, 50-150) minutes. Postoperatively, the median time for first bowel movement was four (range, 2-10) days. Median hospital stay was seven (range, 3-23) days. Overall, 15 patients (60 percent) either improved or remained unchanged with respect to continence. There was an improvement in 10 of 20 patients (50 percent) among those with continence Grade 2 or more (P < 0.05). Seven patients (28 percent) remained incontinent. No patient became more incontinent after surgery. Constipation, which was present in 9 patients (36 percent) preoperatively, affected 11 patients (44 percent) after rectopexy (P > 0.05; not significant). Postoperative morbidity included a port site hernia and deep venous thrombosis in one patient, a repaired rectal perforation, a retroperitoneal hematoma with prolonged ileus (1 case), and a superficial wound infection (1 case). One patient with solitary rectal ulcer syndrome in the laparoscopic surgery group remained unhealed despite resolution of the rectal prolapse after rectopexy and required abdominoperineal resection. Two patients (laparoscopic surgery = 1 and open surgery = 1) had severe constipation after surgery and both required loop colostomies. There were no cases of operative mortality or recurrent prolapse.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic suture rectopexy without resection is both safe and effective in this frequently frail population and offers a minimally invasive approach that may have potential advantages for selected groups of patients with full-thickness rectal prolapse.

Long-term results and functional outcome after Ripstein rectopexy

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to evaluate operative mortality, morbidity, and functional results after Ripstein rectopexy for rectal prolapse and internal rectal intussusception.

METHODS

Sixty-nine patients with rectal prolapse and 43 with internal rectal intussusception were included. All patient records were studied and complications registered. Long-term follow-up was possible in 105 patients and performed by clinical examination and standardized interview, telephone interview, or patient records. Seventy-six patients were prospectively evaluated, comparing bowel function before and after rectopexy.

RESULTS

There was no operative mortality. Operative morbidity was 33 percent, and most complications were minor. Severe early complications included one large-bowel obstruction and one transient ureteric stenosis. Median time of follow-up was seven years in patients with rectal prolapse and 5.4 years in patients with internal rectal intussusception. Late complications included two rectovaginal fistulas and one lethal sigmoid fecaloma. Five patients underwent subtotal colectomy for severe constipation. There was one recurrent prolapse (1.6 percent). Functional evaluation showed that incontinence improved (P = 0.049), whereas the number of bowel movements per week decreased (P < 0.001). Frequency of emptying difficulties did not change significantly in patients with rectal prolapse but increased in patients with internal rectal intussusception (P = 0.038).

CONCLUSION

Ripstein rectopexy can be performed with low mortality and recurrence rate, but with a high early complication rate. There were also some serious late complications. Continence was improved, although increased constipation was a problem in some patients, especially among those with internal rectal intussusception.

Comparison of laparoscopic rectopexy with open technique in the treatment of complete rectal prolapse: clinical and functional results

The aim of this retrospective study was to compare the functional and clinical results of laparoscopic rectopexy with those of the open technique in two similar groups of patients with complete rectal prolapse and fecal incontinence. Between November 1992 and June 1997, 21 patients underwent abdominal rectopexy. Thirteen patients (group A: 12 women and 1 man, mean age 52.9 years, range 28-70) and 8 patients (group B: 8 women, mean age 58.2 years, range 20-76) were submitted to Well's rectopexy by the open technique and the laparoscopic approach, respectively, without division of the lateral rectal ligaments. Assignment to each group was done randomly. Before the operation, a detailed clinical history was taken, and patients were studied with inspection and digital examination of the anorectum, proctosigmoidoscopy, determination of pancolonic transit time, dynamic defecography, anorectal manometry, and anal electromyography. After the operation, all patients underwent perineal physiotherapy, external electric stimulation, and perineal biofeedback. The mean follow-up time was 29.5 months (range 6-54) in group A and 25.7 months (range 8-45) in group B. Values were compared by chi-square, Mann-Whitney U, and Wilcoxon tests, as appropriate; differences were considered significant at p < 0.05. In both groups, dyschezia and fecal incontinence improved significantly (p < 0.05) after the operation. Basal pressure of anal sphincter, squeezing pressure, and rectoanal reflex improved without significance, whereas anoperineal pain was not significantly reduced. In group B, the postoperative hospital stay was shorter than in group A, with a marked reduction of costs. Laparoscopic Well's rectopexy has the same clinical and functional results as the open technique, with a shorter postoperative hospital stay and lower costs.

Management of colorectal-anal dysfunction

Although the majority of patients with low-grade anal incontinence and constipation should be treated medically, for some, efforts will be unsuccessful and surgical therapy will be in order. Full thickness rectal prolapse will, in all early cases, be treated surgically. This article outlines the surgical treatment options for patients with anal incontinence, rectal prolapse, and constipation. Optimal functional outcomes with surgical treatment are based on full physiologic evaluation and careful patient selection.

Rectal adaptation to distension in patients with overt rectal prolapse

BACKGROUND

High recovery rates of continence are observed after surgical procedures for rectal prolapse. Increases in rectal compliance but no obvious rise in anal pressures have been reported. The authors' hypothesis was that decreased rectal adaptation to distension may contribute to incontinence in patients suffering from overt rectal prolapse.

METHODS

This was a prospective study conducted in 20 consecutive incontinent patients suffering from overt rectal prolapse with no mucosal change (two men and 18 women; mean(s.e.m.) age 50(3) years). They were compared with 20 age- and sex-matched patients with incontinence without rectal prolapse and ten age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers observed during the same period. The subjects were submitted to phasic isobaric distension of the rectum with an electronic barostat. Anal pressures, perception scores and rectal volumes were recorded at six different preselected pressures.

RESULTS

Compared with healthy subjects, maximum rectal volumes (mean(s.e.m) 98(6) versus 167(11) ml; P= 0.005), volumes related to compliance (56(5) versus 100(9) ml; P= 0.004) and tone (41(3) versus 67(4) ml; P = 0.003) were decreased significantly in the rectal prolapse group. Prolapse and incontinence groups did not differ significantly with respect to rectal adaptation for all three parameters and steps of distension considered.

CONCLUSION

Patients suffering from overt rectal prolapse had markedly impaired rectal adaptation to distension which may contribute to incontinence.

Functional problems in adult rectal prolapse and controversies in surgical treatment

BACKGROUND

Rectal prolapse is a condition that has fascinated surgeons for a long time. To date, no single ideal surgical treatment has been identified. The aetiology of rectal prolapse remains highly controversial, but it is recognized that associated functional problems, such as incontinence and constipation, are common. The pathophysiology, and controversies surrounding continence and constipation, remain topics of debate.

METHOD

All relevant papers derived from Medline and manual searching on rectal prolapse and associated functional problems were reviewed.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

The surgical management of rectal prolapse has evolved from historical encirclement procedures to current minimally invasive ones. Successful management must include adequate attention to the associated functional problems in order to eradicate the basic abnormality.

The best operation for rectal prolapse

Rectal prolapse remains a disorder for which the cause is not clearly understood and the best method of management is debated. Because the natural history of prolapse frequently leads to complications of incontinence and constipation, we believe that all patients presenting with internal and external prolapse should be considered for repair. Although the type of operative repair recommended may vary, it is clear that all patients with external rectal prolapse should be offered some type of repair. What is not clear from the literature is the appropriate management of those patients with internal prolapse. As shown in the George Washington University experience, surgery is rarely performed for isolated internal prolapse. Most patients who present with internal prolapse also have an associated enterocele, rectocele, or cystocele. Repair of the internal prolapse and the associated disorder may benefit many of these patients. If internal prolapse is an isolated finding, it is not clear to what extent the prolapse is responsible for the patient's symptoms, and repair is generally not advised. These guidelines are easy to enumerate but may be difficult to practice in some patients. Therefore, ongoing evaluation of clinical results is critical to improve our understanding of these disorders. This discussion has outlined the current theories of the cause of rectal prolapse, the symptoms and findings patients present with, and the possible approaches to repair.

Continence is improved after the Ripstein rectopexy. Different mechanizms in rectal prolapse and rectal intussusception?

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 patinets with rectal intussusception. This suggests an alternate mechanism of improvement in patients with rectal intussusception.

Physiological changes after Delorme's procedure for full-thickness rectal prolapse

Anal sphincter pressures, rectal compliance and sensation in 19 women of mean age 77 (range 57-94) years were studied before and after Delorme's procedure for full-thickness rectal prolapse. No patient had significant problems with defaecation after operation. There were no significant changes in anal sphincter pressures but the volume of first rectal sensation decreased from a median of 140 ml before surgery to 65 ml after the procedure (P = 0.01) and the maximum tolerated rectal volume declined from a median of 249 ml to 120 ml (P = 0.001). Rectal compliance was reduced from a median of 142.9 ml/kPa to 12.2 ml/kPa (P = 0.002). Improved rectal sensation and lowered compliance are associated with a reduced incidence of defaecatory problems after Delorme's procedure.

Continent colonic conduit for the treatment of faecal incontinence associated with disordered evacuation

A transverse colonic conduit incorporating an intussusception valve and skin-flapped cutaneous aperture was constructed in nine patients with combined faecal incontinence and disordered evacuation. Intestinal continuity was restored with a colocolonic anastomosis. Median follow-up was 4 (range 2-15) months and daily irrigation with a median of 1.2 (range 0.3-2.0) litres of water resulted in evacuation in less than 1 h. At 1 month after operation there was no leakage of solid or liquid faeces from the anus between irrigations. The valve was continent to faeces and irrigation fluid, and no stoma appliances were required.

Abdominal rectopexy with sigmoidectomy vs. rectopexy alone for rectal prolapse: a prospective, randomized study

A prospective, randomized study comparing abdominal rectopexy and sigmoid resection (Group I; n = 15) with polyglycolic acid mesh rectopexy without sigmoidectomy (Group II; n = 15) for complete rectal prolapse was carried out. One patient in Group I died of myocardial infarction, one patient in Group II had a small bowel obstruction and two patients in Group I an asymptomatic stricture of the anastomosis. Otherwise a safe and efficient control of the prolapse was achieved in both groups. Eleven (73%) patients in Group I and 12 (80%) patients in Group II were more or less incontinent before surgery. After correction of prolapse incontinence improved in eight and ten patients in Groups I and II, but became slightly worse in one patient in Group II. A similar rise in anal pressures was measured in both groups after surgery. Constipation disappeared in three and seven patients in Groups I and II six months after surgery, but five additional patients in Group II became severely constipated and colectomy had to be performed in one of them. Surgery caused no significant change in colonic transit times even though increased transit times were measured in each group six months postoperatively. Sigmoid resection in conjunction with rectopexy does not seem to increase operative morbidity but tends to diminish postoperative constipation possibly by causing less outlet obstruction.

Incontinence and rectal prolapse: a prospective manometric study

A prospective, manometric study has been performed on 23 female patients with rectal prolapse and varying degrees of incontinence. Seven of the 14 incontinent patients regained continence after surgery, and a further two patients improved. Improvement in internal and external sphincter function follows correction of rectal prolapse. Preoperative resting anal pressure was significantly higher in continent patients than in incontinent patients (P less than 0.05), as was the maximum voluntary contraction pressure (P less than 0.027). Postoperatively there was a significant increase in the resting anal pressure (P less than 0.0001) and maximum voluntary contraction pressure (P less than 0.003) in the whole group. The preoperative resting anorectal angle was significantly more acute (P less than 0.028) in continent patients than in incontinent patients. There was no significant change in the resting anorectal angle following prolapse repair. Patients who remained incontinent had a significantly lower preoperative resting anal pressure (P less than 0.01) than patients who improved or regained continence. Similarly, maximum voluntary contraction pressure was lower preoperatively in these patients (P less than 0.02). Preoperative resting anal pressure below 10 mm Hg and maximum voluntary contraction pressure below 50 mm Hg are associated with persisting incontinence after surgery.