Surgical therapy of rectal prolapse

A review of literature and own clinical studies confirm that best postoperative functional results in complete rectal prolapse may be reached with rectopexy in combination with partial resection of the colon. Incontinence may be improved in 38% to 93%, depending on the author. Constipation may be reduced in 41% to 83% of the cases. In comparison, rectopexy without resection resulted in a reduction of constipation of only 11% to 28%, with even a change to the worse in 60% of the patients. Improved operative and anesthesiological conditions cause an acceptable perioperative morbidity (7-13%) and mortality (0-2%) after rectopexy with partial resection of the colon.