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Long-term results of transanal repair of rectocele using linear stapler
1Department of Digestive Surgery, University Hospital Nancy-Brabois, Vandoeuvre les Nancy, France.
Purpose:
This study was designed to determine the long-term outcomes of transanal rectocele repair using a linear stapler.
Methods:
Between 1989 and 1999, 21 patients with symptomatic rectocele were enrolled for this study. Median age at time of presentation was 52 (range, 21-75) years. All patients underwent a transanal repair using a linear stapler. End evaluation to assess long-term results was performed after a median duration of follow-up of 58 (range, 12-118) months. Patients were asked about current problems with constipation, use of laxatives, incontinence, vaginal digitalization, presence of vaginal bulge, pain, bleeding, and sexual dysfunction.
Results:
The postoperative course was uneventful in all cases. Sixteen (76 percent) patients had symptomatic relief. The operation reduced symptoms of obstructed defecation (21 vs. 5, preoperative vs. postoperative; P < 0.001) and the need of vaginal digitalization (21 vs. 6; P < 0.001). Only three patients (14 percent) showed no sign of improvement. Two patients (9 percent) had temporary improvement for three years before recurrence.
Conclusions:
Transanal repair of rectocele using a linear stapler is an easy, safe, and useful procedure for the correction of symptomatic rectocele. Successful long-term outcome can be achieved with this procedure.
