Rectal Prolapse in Women-Outcomes of Perineal and Abdominal Approaches

The aim of the study was to assess the clinical and functional results of surgical treatment of female patients with rectal prolapse. In the period of 2003-2010, the group of 86 female patients (mean age of 67 ± 10) underwent surgery due to rectal prolapse. The group of 24 patients (27.9 %) suffered from mild anal incontinence. They were operated on with open sutured rectopexy (18 pts), Altemeier (45 pts) and Delorme procedure (23 pts). Prior to surgery and after operation, clinical and function results were obtained. The follow-up period amounted to 32 ± 11 months. In perineal approaches, we found mortality in one patient (1.4 %, Delorme) and anastomotic leak in four patients (5.9 %). The recurrence rate in the perineal group was 11.8 % (eight patients). We noted one recurrence in the rectopexy group (5.6 %). The Altemeier procedure revealed the most significant impact on the function of the anal sphincter muscles and resting pressures (42 ± 7 vs 53 ± 9 cm H2O; p = 0.0082). If anterior levatoroplasty was added, the benefits referred also to squeeze pressures (41 ± 8 vs 58 ± 9 cm H2O; p = 0.006 and 42 ± 10 vs 56 ± 9 cm H2O; p = 0.01). In the treatment of rectal prolapse, there is still no consensus about the operation of choice. Selection of the appropriate method should be based on clinical findings and patients' comorbidities to obtain maximal benefits and minimize the postoperative risk and failures.