[Application of Altemeier procedure in the emergent management of acute incarcerated rectal prolapse]

To evaluate the perineal rectosigmoidectomy(Altemeier procedure) in the emergent management of acute incarcerated rectal prolapse.

Clinical and follow-up data of 9 patients with acute incarcerated rectal prolapse undergone Altemeier procedure were retrospectively analyzed.

The mean operation time was 1.7 (range 1.0-1.5) hours. The mean total blood loss during surgery was 109 (50-200) ml. The mean time to the first bowel movements was 2.8(1-6) days after surgery. The hospital stay was 5.3(3-10) days. There were no postoperative complications such as anastomotic leakage, intra-abdominal infection, or urogenital dysfunction. One patient developed thrombosis in the mesorectum and one patient had symptoms of anal discomfort. After a mean follow-up of 3.5(5 months-6.5 years) years, no patient had recurrent prolapse. Six months after operation, anal function was Kirwan grade I( in 8 cases and grade II( in 1 case. All the patients were satisfied with the result.

Altemeier procedure can result in good postoperative anal function when treating incarcerated rectal prolapse, which should be the first choice in emergency treatment.