[Treatment of rectal prolapse. Perineal rectosigmoidectomy using a suture machine]

More than 50 operations designed for the treatment of complete rectal prolapse have been reported. Perineal rectosigmoidectomy using autosuture devices was first described by Vermeulen et al in 1983. During the last two years we have used this technique at Gjøvik County Hospital. We believe it to be a good alternative in patients where a transabdominal approach is unsuitable. The method is described in detail and illustrated by figures.