[Abdominal management of rectocele and elytrocele: place of the laparoscopic approach]

To report the results of abdominal promontory rectopexy and douglassectomy in the management of rectocele and enterocele.

Between 1992 and 2002, 72 patients were operated by one colorectal surgeon. Laparotomy was used in 37 cases between 1992 and 2001 and the laparoscopic approach in 35 cases from 1995 to 2002. Promontory rectal fixation required only one mesh secured between the anterolateral right side of the rectum and the lumbosacral ligament. The same mesh was used to fix the vagina or the cervix. Combined therapeutic or prophylactic urinary interventions are frequent in the series.

The follow-up was more than one year in 63 patients with a mean value of 58 months with no patient lost. Recurrence of posterior vaginal prolapse was noted in only two cases. Dyschesia and urinary incontinence were improved respectively in 80 and 70% of the cases and a significant improvement in anal incontinence was observed in 95% of the patients.

The abdominal way allows a suitable treatment in patients with advanced stage rectocele and enterocele and evidence of pelvic organ prolapse. The laparoscopic approach is superior in terms of morbidity and functional results.