[Rectal prolapse and fecal incontinence. A prospective manometric study]

Area of Science:

• Colorectal surgery
• Surgical outcomes
• Pelvic floor disorders

Background:

• Rectal prolapse is a condition affecting pelvic floor function.
• Posterior abdominal rectopexy is a surgical option for rectal prolapse.
• Evaluating functional outcomes is crucial for surgical technique selection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the functional outcomes of Wells and Ripstein posterior abdominal rectopexy.
• To assess recurrence rates and functional results including fecal continence and constipation.
• To determine if one technique offers superior functional results compared to the other.

Main Methods:

• A study of two consecutive patient series undergoing posterior abdominal rectopexy (Wells or Ripstein).
• One-year follow-up period to assess recurrence.
• Functional results evaluated via patient history and manovolumetry.

Main Results:

• No recurrences were observed in either surgical group during the one-year follow-up.
• More than half of patients with fecal incontinence showed improvement in both series.
• Constipation increased significantly after Wells' rectopexy, with no major changes after Ripstein's rectopexy.

Conclusions:

• Both Wells and Ripstein rectopexy demonstrate low recurrence rates.
• Ripstein's rectopexy may be associated with better functional outcomes regarding constipation compared to Wells' rectopexy.
• Further investigation into long-term functional results is warranted.