Laparoscopic rectopexy: first option for rectal prolapse?

Abstract

Background: Rectal prolapse (RP) is one of the benign anorectal diseases and impairs the quality of life due to co-existing constipation and incontinence problems. There is no consensus for the most accurate surgical method for its treatment. Aim: The objective was to evaluate the short- and long-term results of patients with rectal prolapse who underwent surgery in our clinic. Material and Method: A retrospective analysis was performed of 83 patients with RP who underwent surgery between 1997-2013 in terms of demographic data, surgical technique, complications, and early and late outcomes. Results: The mean age was 45 years (+/- 18 years) and 60% (n = 50) of the patients were female. The mean body mass index (BMI) was 24.3 (+/- 4.1) kg/m(2). The mean age was significantly higher in the transperineal approach (PA group) than transabdominal approach (TA group) (p <0.05). The length of hospital stay was not affected by surgical technique (open or laparoscopic or perineal surgery), but in the subgroup analysis it was significantly shorter for laparoscopic rectopexy (p <0.05). The median follow-up was 80 +/- 38.6 months. Ten (12%) patients had recurrence during the follow-up period; however, recurrence was not associated with the type of surgical technique (p = 0.824). Conclusion: Giving consideration to patients' additional symptoms and general condition before committing to a surgical method for RP may improve the success rate. Laparoscopic rectopexy should be considered as the first option in the treatment RP owing to its favorable early-term outcomes and acceptable rate of long-term recurrence.