[Rectal prolapse--laparoscopic resection and results]

postoperatively Seventeen females presenting rectal intussusception with a combined outlet obstruction underwent laparoscopic resection of the rectum (n = 4) or rectum and sigma (n = 13). Mean age was 61.5 +/- 9.7 years, mean duration of surgery took 117 +/- 30.4 minutes, realimentation started 3.5 +/- 1.3 days postoperatively and the mean stay in hospital lasted 11.8 +/- 2.9 days. In all patients an ano-rectal pressure-measurement and EMG were carried out. There was a significant lower resting-pressure of the anal sphincter in comparison to a normal collective of healthy patients with 67.8 +/- 21.6 cm H2O (p < 0.006). Postoperatively one severe complication with a generalized peritonitis and a resulting ARDS occurred. No perioperative mortality had to be remarked. Our results show that laparoscopic resection in patients with a rectal intussusception and outlet obstruction is safe. Wether rectal intussusception apart of rectal prolapse is an entity of its own, has to been shown in further investigations.