Laparoscopic Suture Rectopexy: An Effective Treatment for Complete Rectal Prolapse

The study was undertaken to validate the efficacy of laparoscopic suture rectopexy as the treatment modality of choice for complete prolapse of rectum.

Data was prospectively collected and analyzed on 36 patients who underwent laparoscopic suture rectopexy for full thickness rectal prolapse between May 2006 to May 2008. There were 10 male and 26 female patients in this study with a mean age of 43.5 years. The pre and postoperative course of each patient was followed up with attention paid to ano-rectal manometery pressures, first bowel movement, hospital stay, duration of surgery, faecal incontinence, constipation, recurrence and morbidity. Mean follow up period was 12 months (range 1-24 months).

One patient had conversion from laparoscopic to open surgery. while another had recurrence of prolapse in the follow up period. Mean duration of surgery was 115 (range 100-150) minutes. Postoperatively, the mean time for the first bowel movement was 40 (range 24-64) hours. Mean hospital stay was five (range 4-7) days. There was no significant postoperative complication except for one port site infection and one pelvic collection. Of the 20 patients who had varying degree of incontinence preoperatively, 16 (80%) showed improvement after surgery. Constipation was present in 15 (41%) patients preoperatively. Nine of these 15 patients (60%) improved as regards constipation after surgery.

Laparoscopic suture rectopexy is both safe and effective operation for the management of complete prolapse rectum. The procedure carries minimal morbidity and helps improve the problems of incontinence and constipation.