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Rectopexy for internal rectal intussusception
1Professorial Surgical Unit, Medical College of St. Bartholomew's Hospital, London, UK.
The British Journal of Surgery
|June 1, 1990
Summary
Polyvinyl alcohol sponge abdominal rectopexy effectively treated internal rectal intussusception in women, preventing recurrence. However, functional outcomes were mixed, with persistent defaecatory difficulties in some patients.
Area of Science:
- Colorectal Surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Pelvic Floor Disorders
Background:
- Internal intussusception of the rectum is a condition causing obstructed defecation and incontinence.
- Symptomatic internal intussusception affects predominantly women.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of polyvinyl alcohol sponge abdominal rectopexy for internal rectal intussusception.
- To assess functional outcomes and recurrence rates following the procedure.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of twelve female patients with symptomatic internal rectal intussusception underwent polyvinyl alcohol sponge abdominal rectopexy.
- Follow-up assessment focused on recurrence of intussusception and functional outcomes, including continence and defecatory difficulties.
Main Results:
- No recurrence of internal intussusception was observed during a mean follow-up of 26.9 months.
- While continence improved, with only one patient incontinent for solid stool, functional results were mixed.
- Rectal discomfort and defecatory difficulties persisted in several patients, with some experiencing worsened straining post-operatively.
Conclusions:
- Polyvinyl alcohol sponge abdominal rectopexy is effective in preventing recurrence of internal rectal intussusception.
- The procedure may benefit patients with associated incontinence, rectal bleeding, or solitary rectal ulcer.
- It may not be beneficial for patients primarily experiencing obstructed defecation, as functional difficulties can persist or worsen.