Ventral mesh rectopexy versus conventional suture technique: a single-institutional experience

Area of Science:

• Colorectal surgery
• Gastroenterology
• Geriatric medicine

Background:

• Complete rectal prolapse is common in elderly females.
• Surgical repair is often necessary to restore function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare functional outcomes of anterior mesh rectopexy versus conventional suture rectopexy.
• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of these surgical techniques for rectal prolapse.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study of 40 patients with full-thickness rectal prolapse.
• Patients were randomized into two groups: conventional suture rectopexy (n=20) and anterior mesh rectopexy (n=20).
• Outcomes assessed included constipation and incontinence scores, rectosigmoidoscopy, and defecography at 1-year follow-up.

Main Results:

• Anterior mesh rectopexy showed a significant improvement in constipation scores (median 11 vs 15).
• Incontinence scores improved more in the mesh group (median 6 vs 9).
• Recurrence rates were lower with mesh rectopexy (1/20) compared to suture rectopexy (3/20).

Conclusions:

• Anterior mesh rectopexy is a feasible, safe, and effective treatment for rectal prolapse in the geriatric population.
• It yields superior functional results compared to conventional suture rectopexy.
• A trend towards a lower recurrence rate was observed with the mesh technique.