[Rectal prolapse. Abdominal or local approach]

Surgical treatment of rectal prolapse aims to correct morphology and restore function. Many techniques are available, but none can be considered a gold standard. Abdominal approaches differ with regard to abdominal access, extent of rectal mobilisation, technique of rectal pexy, and concomitant sigmoid resection. Local (perineal/transanal) procedures plicate or resect the rectum. The choice of operative approach is based on the patient's condition and expected outcome of the procedure, e.g. recurrence rate, morbidity, and function. Abdominal operations are favored in fit patients, while local procedures are considered for the elderly and frail. This review compares differences in the most common techniques, focussing on recurrence, morbidity, and functional outcome.