A single centre comparative study of laparoscopic mesh rectopexy versus suture rectopexy

Area of Science:

• Colorectal Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Procedures

Background:

• Rectopexy is a surgical procedure to correct rectal prolapse.
• Laparoscopic techniques offer advantages over open surgery.
• Mesh and suture methods are two approaches to laparoscopic rectopexy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the clinical outcomes of laparoscopic mesh rectopexy versus laparoscopic suture rectopexy.
• To evaluate differences in operative time, hospital stay, bowel function, and complications.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study of 70 patients (20-65 years) undergoing laparoscopic rectopexy.
• 38 patients had mesh rectopexy, 32 had suture rectopexy.
• Follow-up for a mean of 12 months assessing key surgical and functional outcomes.

Main Results:

• Suture rectopexy had a shorter operative time (100.8 min) than mesh rectopexy (120 min).
• Both groups showed improvement in fecal incontinence; suture rectopexy had a higher constipation improvement rate (61.1% vs 47.3%).
• No significant difference in hospital stay, recurrence, or major morbidity, with one port site infection in the mesh group.

Conclusions:

• Laparoscopic suture rectopexy is a safe and feasible alternative to mesh rectopexy.
• Suture rectopexy demonstrated superior symptomatic improvement in constipation and continence.
• The absence of mesh cost further enhances the cost-effectiveness of the suture technique.