Laparoscopic Vaginal Suspension and Rectopexy for Rectal Prolapse

Laparoscopic procedures for the treatment of patients with a rectal prolapse have gained increasing worldwide acceptance because they have lower recurrence and better functional outcome than perineal procedures. Nevertheless, ideal surgical methods are still not available. We propose a new surgical technique, laparoscopic vaginal suspension and rectopexy, for correcting a full-thickness rectal prolapse and/or middle-compartment prolapse. This study assessed the short-term outcomes for patients who underwent laparoscopic vaginal suspension and rectopexy.

Between April 2014 and April 2016, 69 female patients underwent laparoscopic vaginal suspension and rectopexy to correct a rectal prolapse. Demographics, medical histories, and surgical and follow-up details were collected from their medical records. In addition to the clinical outcome, we repeated defecation proctography and a questionnaire regarding functional results three months after surgery.

No major morbidities or no mortalities occurred. The defecation proctography confirmed excellent anatomical result in all cases. Of 7 patients with combined middle-compartment prolapses, we observed good anatomical correction. During follow-up, full-thickness recurrence occurred in one patient. Preoperative fecal incontinence was improved significantly at 3 months (mean Wexner score: 12.35 vs. 7.71; mean FISI: 33.29 vs. 21.07; P < 0.001). Analysis of responses to the fecal incontinence quality of life (FIQOL) questionnaire showed overall improvement at 3 months compared to the preoperative baseline (mean pre- and postoperative FIQOL scores: 12.11 vs. 14.39; P < 0.004).

Laparoscopic vaginal suspension and rectopexy is a new combined procedure for the treatment of patients with rectal prolapses. It has excellent functional outcomes and minimal morbidity and can correct and prevent middlecompartment prolapses.