Management of infection after prosthetic abdominal rectopexy (Wells' procedure)

The management and results of treatment of eight cases of implant infection after a Wells' rectopexy for rectal prolapse are reported. Most infections presented within 3 months of the rectopexy. Fever, abdominal or pelvic pain, diarrhoea, and the passage of pus per rectum were common presenting features. Removal of the infected implant per rectum or per vaginum was successful in four of five attempts and is the recommended initial approach, particularly in cases occurring early after surgery. Despite removal of the implant early after rectopexy recurrent prolapse did not occur.