Short-term results after STARR versus internal Delorme for obstructed defecation: a non-randomized prospective study

Area of Science:

• Colorectal Surgery
• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS) is a common condition often caused by internal intussusception and rectocele.
• Various transanal surgical techniques exist for ODS treatment, necessitating comparative outcome studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy and outcomes of the stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) and internal Delorme (ID) procedures in patients with ODS.

Main Methods:

• A comparative study involving 23 patients undergoing STARR and 12 patients undergoing ID for ODS.
• Preoperative assessments included clinical evaluation (Altomare ODS score, Wexner score), proctoscopy, defecography, anorectal manometry, and endoanal ultrasonography.

Main Results:

• Both STARR and ID procedures demonstrated significant postoperative improvements in Wexner and Altomare ODS scores.
• Average operative time was shorter for STARR (28 min) compared to ID (56 min), with a similar mean hospital stay of 2 days for both.
• No statistically significant differences in outcome parameters or complication rates were observed between the STARR and ID groups.

Conclusions:

• Both the internal Delorme (ID) and stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) procedures are effective surgical options for treating obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS).
• The choice between STARR and ID may depend on specific patient factors, as outcomes and complications were comparable in this study.