Laparoscopic management of complete rectal prolapse: description of technique

Laparoscopic surgery has been successfully employed for many years by gynecological surgeons. Following the widespread success of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, minimally invasive surgery has expanded to be adapted to all general surgical procedures including hernia repair, oesophagectomy, appendicectomy, Meckel's diverticulectomy, and Nissen fundoplication. Laparoscopic colonic surgery has not developed at the same rate as other procedures because of the requirement for advanced laparoscopic surgical skills, deficiencies in instrumentation and concerns about the potential risks of laparoscopic surgery for neoplasia. However, laparoscopic procedures for treating rectal prolapse may constitute some of the best applications for colorectal laparoscopic techniques. A technique of laparoscopic rectopexy performed using the endoscopic stapler and intracorporal suturing of mesh is described.