Altemeier's procedure for rectal prolapse: analysis of long-term outcome in 60 patients

Perineal Rectosigmoidectomy (Altemeier's Procedure) in the Treatment of Strangulated Rectal Prolapse: A Case Series and Literature Review

BACKGROUND

Rectal prolapse (RP) predominantly affects women over the age of 50 and presents as mucosal, internal, or full thickness prolapse. Strangulated rectal prolapse requires immediate medical intervention, and surgical treatment options include both abdominal and perineal approaches. We aim to present a case series of perineal rectosigmoidectomy performed urgently due to strangulation and argue that Altemeier's procedure is the preferred method for treating strangulated rectal prolapse.

METHODS

Perineal rectosigmoidectomy, particularly Altemeier's procedure, is effective for incarcerated cases. Altemeier's procedure with diverting ileostomy was used in all three patients.

RESULTS

All patients were successfully treated, with no recurrence of prolapse and stool incontinence.

CONCLUSIONS

Altemeier's procedure is ideal for the treatment of strangulated rectal prolapse.

Recurrence Rates and Risk Factors in the Altemeier Procedure for Rectal Prolapse: A Multicenter Study

BACKGROUND

Perineal proctosigmoidectomy (Altemeier) is a surgical procedure that is commonly used for the treatment of rectal prolapse. However, there is a diverse range of recurrence rates after Altemeier procedure repair that has been reported in the literature.

OBJECTIVE

To identify primary and subsequent recurrence rates after perineal proctosigmoidectomy and to define potential risk factors for recurrence.

DESIGN

Cohort study.

SETTINGS

Conducted at 6 hospitals affiliated with the Cleveland Clinic.

PATIENTS

The study included patients who were older than 18 years and were treated with the Altemeier procedure for rectal prolapse between 2007 and 2022.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Primary outcomes were rates of primary and subsequent recurrences. Secondary outcomes included potential risk factors for recurrence previously mentioned in the literature.

RESULTS

We identified 182 patients, of whom 95.1% were women, with a mean age of 79 years (SD 11.4). Overall, procedures were elective in 92.1% of patients, and 14.3% had previously undergone prolapse repairs (Delorme, Thiersch, abdominal suture rectopexy, and abdominal mesh rectopexy). At a mean follow-up period of 27.5 months (SD 45.7), 37.9% of patients experienced recurrence, with 16.5% of patients having multiple recurrences. A subsequent Altemeier procedure was performed in 72.5% of instances. Other treatments included Delorme, abdominal suture rectopexy, abdominal mesh rectopexy, or conservative management. This study identified connective tissue disorders and time since surgery as significant risk factors for recurrence.

LIMITATIONS

Retrospective design and varying follow-up periods.

CONCLUSIONS

Perineal proctosigmoidectomy is associated with a significant risk of recurrence. The risk of recurrence increased with the presence of a connective tissue disorder and in proportion to the elapsed time since surgery. These discoveries assist health care professionals in counseling and managing patients who undergo perineal proctosigmoidectomy for rectal prolapse. See Video Abstract .

TASAS DE RECURRENCIA Y FACTORES DE RIESGO EN EL PROCEDIMIENTO DE ALTEMEIER PARA EL PROLAPSO RECTAL UN ESTUDIO MULTICNTRICO

ANTECEDENTES:La proctosigmoidectomía perineal (Altemeier) es un procedimiento quirúrgico que se utiliza comúnmente para el tratamiento del prolapso rectal. Sin embargo, existe una amplia gama de tasas de recurrencia después de la reparación con el procedimiento de Altemeier que se han informado en la literatura.OBJETIVO:Nuestro objetivo fue identificar las tasas de recurrencia primaria y posterior después de la proctosigmoidectomía perineal, así como definir los posibles factores de riesgo de recurrencia.DISEÑO:Estudio de cohorte.AJUSTES:Realizado en 6 hospitales afiliados a la Clínica Cleveland.PACIENTES:Se incluyeron pacientes mayores de 18 años que fueron tratados con procedimiento de Altemeier por prolapso rectal entre 2007 y 2022.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE VALORACIÓN:Los resultados primarios fueron las tasas de recurrencias primarias y posteriores. Los resultados secundarios incluyeron factores de riesgo potenciales de recurrencia mencionados anteriormente en la literatura.RESULTADOS:Se identificaron 182 pacientes, de los cuales el 95,1% eran mujeres con una edad media de 79 años (DE 11,4). En general, el 92,1% fueron electivos y el 14,3% se habían sometido previamente a reparaciones de prolapso (Delorme, Thiersch, rectopexia con sutura abdominal y rectopexia con malla abdominal). En un período de seguimiento medio de 27,5 meses (DE 45,7), el 37,9% de los pacientes experimentó recurrencia, y el 16,5% de los pacientes tuvo recurrencias múltiples. En el 72,5% de los casos se realizó un procedimiento de Altemeier posterior. Otros tratamientos incluyeron Delorme, rectopexia con sutura abdominal, rectopexia con malla abdominal o manejo conservador. Este estudio identificó los trastornos del tejido conectivo y el tiempo transcurrido desde la cirugía como factores de riesgo importantes de recurrencia.LIMITACIONES:Diseño retrospectivo y períodos de seguimiento variables.CONCLUSIÓN:La proctosigmoidectomía perineal se asocia con un riesgo significativo de recurrencia. El riesgo de recurrencia aumentó con la presencia de un trastorno del tejido conectivo y en proporción al tiempo transcurrido desde la cirugía. Estos descubrimientos ayudan a los profesionales de la salud a asesorar y tratar a los pacientes que se someten a proctosigmoidectomía perineal por prolapso rectal. (Traducción-Dr. Ingrid Melo ).

Delorme's vs. Altemeier's in the management of rectal procidentia: systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Rectal prolapse is a distressing condition for patients and no consensus exists on optimal surgical management. We compared outcomes of two common perineal operations (Delorme's and Altemeier's) used in the treatment of rectal prolapse.

METHODS

A systematic search of multiple electronic databases was conducted. Peri- and post-operative outcomes following Delorme's and Altemeier's procedures were extracted. Primary outcomes included recurrence rate, anastomotic dehiscence rate and mortality rate. The secondary outcomes were total operative time, volume of blood loss, length of hospital stay and coloanal anastomotic stricture formation. Revman 5.3 was used to perform all statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Ten studies with 605 patients were selected; 286 underwent Altemeier's procedure (standalone), 39 had Altemeier's with plasty (perineoplasty or levatoroplasty), and 280 had Delorme's. Recurrence rate [OR: 0.66; 95% CI [0.44-0.99], P = 0.05] was significantly lower and anastomotic dehiscence [RD: 0.05; 95% CI [0.00-0.09], P = 0.03] was significantly higher in the Altemeier's group. However, sub group analysis of Altemeier's with plasty failed to show significant differences in these outcomes compared with the Delorme's procedure. Length of hospital stay was significantly more following an Altemeier's operation compared with Delorme's [MD: 3.05, 95% CI [0.95 - 5.51], P = 0.004]. No significant difference was found in total operative time, intra-operative blood loss, coloanal anastomotic stricture formation and mortality rates between the two approaches.

CONCLUSIONS

A direct comparison of two common perineal procedures used in the treatment of rectal prolapse demonstrated that the Altemeier's approach was associated with better outcomes. Future, well-designed high quality RCTs with long-term follow up are needed to corroborate our findings.

Current diagnostic tools and treatment modalities for rectal prolapse

Rectal prolapse is a circumferential, full-thickness protrusion of the rectum through the anus. It is a rare condition, and only affects 0.5% of the general population. Multiple treatment modalities have been described, which have changed significantly over time. Particularly in the last decade, laparoscopic and robotic surgical approaches with different mobilization techniques, combined with medical therapies, have been widely implemented. Because patients have presented with a wide range of complaints (ranging from abdominal discomfort to incomplete bowel evacuation, mucus discharge, constipation, diarrhea, and fecal incontinence), understanding the extent of complaints and ruling out differential diagnoses are essential for choosing a tailored surgical procedure. It is crucial to assess these additional symptoms and their severities using preoperative scoring systems. Additionally, radiological and physiological evaluations may explain some vague symptoms and reveal concomitant pelvic disorders. However, there is no consensus on or standardization of the optimal extent of dissection, type of procedure, and materials used for rectal fixation; this makes providing maximum benefits to patients with minimal complications difficult. Even recent publications and systematic reviews have not recommended the most appropriate treatment options. This review explains the appropriate diagnostic tools for different conditions and summarizes the current treatment approaches based on existing literature and expert opinions.

Outcomes for men undergoing rectal prolapse surgery - a systematic review

AIM

Rectal prolapse is considered rare in men but the prevalence can be high in certain populations. It is unclear which surgical approach offers lower recurrence rates and better functional outcomes in men. The aim of this work was to determine the recurrence rates, complications and functional outcomes after prolapse surgery in men.

METHOD

The MEDLINE, EMBASE and Scopus databases were systematically searched to identify studies on outcomes following surgical management of full-thickness rectal prolapse in men (over 18 years of age) published between 1951 and September 2022. Outcomes of interest included recurrence rate after surgery, bowel function, urinary function, sexual function and postoperative complications.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight studies involving 1751 men were included. Two papers focused exclusively on men. Twelve studies employed a mixture of abdominal approaches, ten employed perineal approaches and six compared both. The recurrence rate varied across studies, ranging from 0% to 34%. Sexual and urinary function were poorly reported, but the incidence of dysfunction appears low.

CONCLUSION

The outcomes of rectal prolapse surgery in men are poorly studied with small sample sizes and variable outcomes reported. There is insufficient evidence to recommend a specific repair approach based on the recurrence rate and functional outcomes. Further studies are required to identify the optimal surgical approach for rectal prolapse in men.

A novel method for treating complete rectal prolapse with laparoscopic sigmoidopexy to the abdominal wall: A case report

Introduction

Presentation of case

Discussion

Conclusion

•

This is the first reported case of abdominal wall fixation for rectal prolapse.

•

Laparoscopic fixation of the abdominal wall with minimal dissection was performed.

•

Repair is possible without the use of artificial material.

•

The procedure requires only five sutures to fix.

•

This method may be a useful option for patients who can undergo general anaesthesia.

Surgical Treatment of Rectal Prolapse in the Laparoscopic Era; A Review of the Literature

Rectal prolapse is associated with debilitating symptoms including the discomfort of prolapsing tissue, mucus discharge, hemorrhage, and defecation disorders of fecal incontinence, constipation, or both. The aim of treatment is to eliminate the prolapse, correct associated bowel function and prevent new onset of bowel dysfunction. Historically, abdominal procedures have been indicated for young fit patients, whereas perineal approaches have been preferred in older frail patients with significant comorbidity. Recently, the laparoscopic procedures with their advantages of less pain, early recovery, and lower morbidity have emerged as an effective tool for the treatment of rectal prolapse. This article aimed to review the current evidence base for laparoscopic procedures and perineal procedures, and to compare the results of various techniques. As a result, laparoscopic procedures showed a relatively low recurrence rate than the perineal procedures with comparable complication rates. Laparoscopic resection rectopexy and laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy had a small advantage in the improvement of constipation or the prevention of new-onset constipation compared with other laparoscopic procedures. However, the optimal surgical repair has not been clearly demonstrated because of the significant heterogeneity of available studies. An individualized approach is recommended for every patient, considering age, comorbidity, and the underlying anatomical and functional disorders.

Perineal rectosigmoidectomy for rectal prolapse-the preferred procedure for the unfit elderly patient? 10 years experience from a UK tertiary centre

BACKGROUND

Rectal prolapse is a disease presentation with a prevalence of about 1%, mainly affecting older women. It usually presents with symptoms of rectal mass, rectal bleeding, fecal incontinence or constipation, with patients frequently feeling socially isolated as a result. Perineal rectosigmoidectomy is associated with lesser morbidity and mortality than the abdominal procedure, but with a much higher recurrence rate. Therefore, this technique is mainly suitable for the frail elderly patient. Specific outcomes in an elderly population have been described in only a few studies. We evaluated the morbidity, mortality, recurrence rate and functional results after this procedure related to age.

METHODS

All patients who underwent a perineal rectosigmoidectomy over a 10-year period in two tertiary referral centers were included in the study. American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) grade, pre- and postoperative symptoms, pathology-reported post-fixation specimen length, length of in-patient stay, 30-day morbidity/mortality, and recurrence were measured.

RESULTS

A total of 45 patients underwent a perineal rectosigmoidectomy. Forty-three (95%) were female, with a median age of 82.0 years (IQR 70.5-86.5), ASA grade III and median follow-up of 20 months (range 8.5-45.5 months). Half of the cohort was over 80 years old. Significant symptomatic relief was achieved, predominantly the resolution of rectal mass (8.9% vs. 60.0% preoperatively), fecal incontinence (15.6% vs. 46.7%) and constipation (4.4% vs. 26.7%). The median length of stay was 6 days, while morbidity occurred in 14 patients (31.1%) and recurrence occurred in 6 patients (13%). There were no deaths within 30 days of the procedure and outcomes were comparable in the < 80 and ≥ 80 age group.

CONCLUSIONS

Perineal rectosigmoidectomy is safe for older patients with greater comorbidities resulting in good functional results and is associated with low morbidity and mortality.

Long-term outcomes of surgical management of rectal prolapse

BACKGROUND

Various surgical options for rectal prolapse are available but none have been shown to be clearly superior. The aims of this study were to investigate the long-term recurrence rate of a variety of surgical approaches, their associated morbidities and the types of reoperation used to treat recurrence.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed of all cases of rectal prolapse surgery within one colorectal surgical unit between January 2000 and June 2017. Abdominal approaches consisted of rectopexy (RP) and resection rectopexy (RRP); perineal approaches included perineal rectosigmoidectomy (PR) and Delorme's repair (DR). Complications were graded according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. The median follow-up was 4.5 years (interquartile range 1.5-10.1, maximum 16.5). Statistical analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier to determine recurrence rates.

RESULTS

A total of 157 patients were included in the study. The numbers for each procedure were: DR (n = 55), RRP (n = 44), RP (n = 38) and PR (n = 20). The majority were females (94%). The perineal group were significantly older than the abdominal group (80 versus 67 years, P = 0.0001). At 5 years, the recurrence rates were 52%, 30%, 5% and 3% for DR, PR, RP and RRP, respectively. Morbidity was highest in PR (20%) followed by RRP (18%), RP (16%) and DR (7%) (n.s.). The overall morbidity rates for perineal group and abdominal group were 10.7% and 17.1%, respectively (n.s.).

CONCLUSION

Abdominal approaches have a significantly lower recurrence rate at 5 years but tend to be associated with higher morbidity.

Altemeier's procedure for complete rectal prolapse; outcome and function in 43 consecutive female patients

Background

The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate morbidity, mortality, postoperative function and recurrences in patients treated by Altemeier’s rectosigmoidectomy for complete rectal prolapse in a referral center for pelvic floor functional disorders.

Methods

Peri-operative data on 43 consecutive female patients were reviewed. At follow-up any change in pelvic floor function and recurrences were determined. Thirty four patients were assessed at a median interval of 49 (2–135) months, six being deceased for reason not related to the prolapse and three lost to follow-up.

Results

Post-operative complications at 30 days occurred in 18 patients (38%). Major complication occurred in only one patient that was pneumonia with lung failure. Major complications were not related to the ASA score, BMI or age [average age 76.4]. There was no post-operative mortality at 30 days.

At long-term follow-up functional results demonstrate a statistically significant decrease in the Obstructive Defecation Syndrome (ODS) score, but no statistically significant changes in the Vaizey score, the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form (ICIQ-SF) score and the urinary retention score. ODS score decreased with respect to levatorplasty and the change was statistically significant instead of Vaizey score in which were not.

At the same follow-up there were 12 (35%) cases of recurrence with an estimated risk at 48 months of 40%. There were no statistically significant differences between patients with and without recurrence regarding age (p = 0.188), BMI (p = 0.864), ASA score (p = 0.433), previously repaired prolapse (p = 0.398), previous hysterectomy (p = 0.705), length of resected bowel (p = 0.126), and levatorplasty (p = 0.304). Patient satisfaction showed a mean of 8.8 and 6.4 respectively in patients without and with recurrences (p = 0.012).

Conclusions

Altemeier’s procedure had in our series low complications rate and no mortality. It offered improved evacuation in constipated patients while didn’t improve fecal and urinary continence. Recurrence of prolapse was 40% at four years.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12893-018-0463-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Consensus Statement of the Italian Society of Colorectal Surgery (SICCR): management and treatment of complete rectal prolapse

Rectal prolapse, rectal procidentia, "complete" prolapse or "third-degree" prolapse is the full-thickness prolapse of the rectal wall through the anal canal and has a significant impact on quality of life. The incidence of rectal prolapse has been estimated to be approximately 2.5 per 100,000 inhabitants with a clear predominance among elderly women. The aim of this consensus statement was to provide evidence-based data to allow an individualized and appropriate management and treatment of complete rectal prolapse. The strategy used to search for evidence was based on application of electronic sources such as MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane Review Library, CINAHL and EMBASE. The recommendations were defined and graded based on the current levels of evidence and in accordance with the criteria adopted by the American College of Gastroenterology's Chronic Constipation Task Force. Five evidence levels were defined. The recommendations were graded A, B, and C.

Perineal Stapled Rectal Prolapse Resection in Elderly Patients: Long-term Follow-up

BACKGROUND

Full-thickness rectal prolapse has a significant negative impact on quality of life. The therapeutic options, specifically in elderly patients, are imperfect. Perineal stapled rectal prolapse resection is a novel operation for treating external rectal prolapse. Long-term follow-up following this procedure is lacking. In our study, we report a long-term follow-up of 30 patients, analyzing the long-term recurrence rate, morbidity, and functional outcome.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to examine the long-term results of perineal stapled rectal resection in a population unfit for prolonged general anesthesia.

DESIGN

This was a cohort study with a prospective follow-up.

SETTINGS

This study was conducted at a single tertiary referral center.

PATIENTS

Patients undergoing perineal stapled rectal resection from January 2010 to June 2013 were included.

INTERVENTIONS

Perineal stapled rectal prolapse resection was performed.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome measured was prolapse recurrence.

RESULTS

A total of 30 patients underwent the surgical intervention. The median follow-up period was 61 months (range, 37-65). No intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred. Six patients (20%) had recurrent rectal prolapse, and continence was not achieved in any of the patients. Two patients who had recurrence underwent a redo perineal stapled rectal resection.

LIMITATIONS

This study was limited by the small cohort of selected patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Frail patients that can only endure a short procedure under regional anesthesia should be considered for perineal stapled rectal prolapse resection. The lack of mortality and morbidity, specifically in this population, along with the low long-term recurrence rates, make this a favorable surgical alternative. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A745.

Perineal resectional procedures for the treatment of complete rectal prolapse: A systematic review of the literature

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Several procedures for the treatment of complete rectal prolapse (CRP) exist. These procedures are performed via the abdominal or perineal approach. Perineal procedures for rectal prolapse involve either resection or suspension and fixation of the rectum. The present review aimed to assess the outcomes of the perineal resectional procedures including Altemeier procedure (AP), Delorme procedure (DP), and perineal stapled prolapse resection (PSR) in the treatment of CRP.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A systematic search of the current literature for the outcomes of perineal resectional procedures for CRP was conducted. Databases queried included PubMed/MEDLINE, SCOPUS, and Cochrane library. The main outcomes of the review were the rates of recurrence of CRP, improvement in bowel function, and complications.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine studies involving 2647 (2390 females) patients were included in the review. The mean age of patients was 69.1 years. Recurrence of CRP occurred in 16.6% of patients. The median incidences of recurrence were 11.4% for AP, 14.4% for DP, and 13.9% for PSR. Improvement in fecal incontinence occurred in 61.4% of patients after AP, 69% after DP, and 23.5% after PSR. Complications occurred in 13.2% of patients. The median complication rates after AP, DP and PSR were 11.1%, 8.7%, and 11.7%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Perineal resectional procedures were followed by a relatively high incidence of recurrence, yet an acceptably low complication rate. Definitive conclusions on the superiority of any procedure cannot be reached due to the significant heterogeneity of the studies.

Perineal Approaches to Rectal Prolapse

Full-thickness rectal prolapse is a painful and debilitating condition that often responds well to surgical intervention. The best method of surgical repair is a matter of debate. Historically, perineal approaches have been thought to have inferior outcomes and were therefore reserved for elderly and unfit patients. Despite recent data calling that into question, perineal approaches are still commonly performed and have their role. We present risks and benefits along with a description of perineal approaches for surgical treatment of rectal prolapse.

Clinical outcomes of perineal proctectomy among patients of advanced age

BACKGROUND

Rectal prolapse occurs primarily in older patients who often have significant comorbidities. With the aging population, increasing numbers of elderly patients are presenting with rectal prolapse. The perineal approach is preferred for these patients because it involves less perioperative risk than an abdominal procedure, but the outcomes of this procedure in elderly patients are unknown.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to examine whether clinical outcomes after perineal proctectomy are similar among elderly patients versus patients of younger age.

DESIGN

This study was a retrospective review.

SETTING

This study was conducted in mixed academic and private practice; the operations were performed at 16 hospitals.

PATIENTS

Patients who had perineal proctectomy for rectal prolapse from 1994 to 2012 were grouped according to age: <70 (group A), 70 to 79 (group B), 80 to 89 (group C), and ≥90 years (group D).

INTERVENTIONS

Perineal proctectomy with or without concurrent levatorplasty was performed.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcomes measured were postoperative complications, recurrence, and survival after perineal proctectomy.

RESULTS

Four hundred patients underwent 518 perineal proctectomies: group A, N = 113; group B, N = 113; group C, N = 208; and group D, N = 84. The immediate and late complication rates were 5.6% and 3.5% and did not vary by age. Recurrence was 22.6% and was significantly different between groups, with the lowest recurrence in group D, 14.3% (p = 0.007). Reoperation after recurrence was less likely in group D. The main type of reoperation was perineal proctectomy (41.5%), but, for group D, recurrence was usually managed nonoperatively (58.3%). Median survival after operation was more than 4 years in the advanced age group.

LIMITATIONS

Retrospective data, which did not allow analysis of patients with rectal prolapse who did not undergo surgery, were used in this study.

CONCLUSIONS

When selected appropriately, patients 90 years of age or older have outcomes similar to younger patients; therefore, age alone should not be a contraindication to surgery. In addition, elderly patients have a median survival of more than 4 years after surgery, so the operative risk can be worth the benefit accrued.

Recurrence after perineal rectosigmoidectomy: when and why?

AIM

Reported recurrence rates after perineal rectosigmoidectomy (Altemeier's procedure) in patients with full-thickness rectal prolapse vary from 0% to 60%. The object of this study was to analyse risk factors for recurrence after this procedure.

METHOD

From May 2004 to December 2012, 63 consecutive patients suffering from full-thickness rectal prolapse undergoing perineal rectosigmoidectomy were included. Of these 46 were female and the median age of the whole group was 79 (30-90) years. The median follow-up was 53 (3-99) months. Patient characteristics and operative parameters were compared between patients with and without recurrence.

RESULTS

One patient died and another patient needed re-operation. Eight full-thickness recurrences occurred in eight patients after a median of 18 (6-48) months. Stapled compared with handsewn anastomosis (hazard ratio 7.96, 95% confidence interval 1.90-33.47; P = 0.001) and shorter specimen length (hazard ratio 4.06, 95% confidence interval 0.97-16.99; P = 0.03) increased the risk of recurrence in Cox regression analysis.

CONCLUSION

The operative technique including stapled anastomosis and length of the resected specimen seems to be associated with a high recurrence rate after perineal rectosigmoidectomy.

Comparison of abdominal and perineal procedures for complete rectal prolapse: an analysis of 104 patients

Purpose

Selecting the best surgical approach for treating complete rectal prolapse involves comparing the operative and functional outcomes of the procedures. The aims of this study were to evaluate and compare the operative and functional outcomes of abdominal and perineal surgical procedures for patients with complete rectal prolapse.

Methods

A retrospective study of patients with complete rectal prolapse who had operations at a tertiary referral hospital and a university hospital between March 1990 and May 2011 was conducted. Patients were classified according to the type of operation: abdominal procedure (AP) (n = 64) or perineal procedure (PP) (n = 40). The operative outcomes and functional results were assessed.

Results

The AP group had the younger and more men than the PP group. The AP group had longer operation times than the PP group (165 minutes vs. 70 minutes; P = 0.001) and longer hospital stays (10 days vs. 7 days; P = 0.001), but a lower overall recurrence rate (6.3% vs. 15.0%; P = 0.14). The overall rate of the major complication was similar in the both groups (10.9% vs. 6.8%; P = 0.47). The patients in the AP group complained more frequently of constipation than of incontinence, conversely, in the PP group of incontinence than of constipation.

Conclusion

The two approaches for treating complete rectal prolapse did not differ with regard to postoperative morbidity, but the overall recurrence tended to occur frequently among patients in the PP group. Functional results after each surgical approach need to be considered for the selection of procedure.

A simple and safe procedure to repair rectal prolapse perineally using stapling devices

Rectal prolapses are not life-threatening, however the bleeding and fecal incontinence associated with them significantly erode quality of life and can cause concern among patients' caregivers in nursing homes. Many procedures have been reported that repair rectal prolapses, and the procedure used depends on the severity of the prolapse; however, the treatments are yet to be established. Here we report a simple and safe procedure to repair rectal prolapse perineally using stapling devices. We performed this procedure on 5 patients within a short time. All patients were followed up for over 24 months and none had any recurrences of their rectal prolapses. No complications occurred during the operations and postoperative periods. Most patients who have prolapses are elderly and fragile, so the treatment must be easy, safe, and rapid. While rectal prolapse is not life-threatening, the goal of treatment is to alleviate its symptoms. The procedure we describe is consistent with this concept. We suggest that this procedure, which uses surgical stapling devices, might be a better option for the treatment of complete rectal prolapse. We will continue to surgically correct complete rectal prolapses and investigate the long-term outcomes of the procedure.

Surgical approaches to fecal incontinence in the adult

Surgical treatment of anal incontinence is indicated only for patients who have failed medical treatment. Sphincterorraphy is suitable in case of external sphincter rupture. In the last decade, sacral nerve stimulation has proven to be a scientifically validated solution when no sphincter lesion has been identified and more recently has also been proposed as an alternative in cases of limited sphincter defect. Anal reconstruction using artificial sphincters is still under evaluation in the literature, while indications for dynamic graciloplasty are decreasing due to its complexity and high morbidity. Less risky techniques involving intra-sphincteric injections are being developed, with encouraging preliminary results that need to be confirmed especially in the medium- and long-term. Antegrade colonic enemas instilled via cecostomy (Malone) can be an alternative to permanent stoma in patients who are well instructed in the techniques of colonic lavage. Stomal diversion is a solution of last resort.

Impact of prolapse mass on Contour Transtar technique for third-degree rectal prolapse

PURPOSE

Contour Transtar procedure for rectal prolapse is a promising technique according to safety and efficacy. One potential surgical problem is failure of the stapler due to the thick rectal wall. In order to evaluate the practicability and the impending limitations of the Contour Transtar technique, we reviewed our data with special respect to the necessity of additional anastomosis suturing.

METHODS

A prospective analysis of 25 consecutive patients, which underwent Contour Transtar procedure from January 2009 to July 2012, was performed. For statistic analysis, the groups with and without additional suturing of the anastomosis were evaluated according to patient characteristics and surgical outcome.

RESULTS

Twenty-five patients, three men and 22 women, underwent transanal Contour Transtar stapling procedure for rectal prolapse. Due to stapling failure, additional suturing of the anastomosis was necessary in 4 of 25 procedures (16%). Age (74.1 vs. 83.1 years) and body mass index (30.8 vs. 22.7 kg/m(2)) were significantly different with and without additional suturing. Operative time was longer (62 vs. 31 min), more cartridges were used (12 vs. 6), and the specimen weight was higher (220 vs. 107 g) in patients with additional suturing. Early postoperative complications were observed in two patients without anastomosis suturing including one patient with bleeding and systemic inflammatory reaction in one case. Postoperative stay did not differ between both groups.

CONCLUSION

Patients with extensive obesity, which present with a substantial rectal prolapse, may need additional suturing of the rectal anastomosis after Contour Transtar stapling. This causes prolonged operative time. However, this does not correlate with complications and it is not related to significant longer hospital stay.