Very long-term outcome after resection rectopexy for internal rectal intussusception

Area of Science:

• Colorectal Surgery
• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Outcomes

Background:

• Internal rectal intussusception (IRI) is a condition impacting bowel function.
• Resection rectopexy has shown short- and long-term benefits for constipation in IRI patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the very long-term persistence of symptom improvement after resection rectopexy for IRI.
• To assess the durability of surgical outcomes in a cohort of IRI patients.

Main Methods:

• Prospective observational study of 13 patients with IRI who underwent ligament-preserving resection rectopexy.
• Outcomes assessed included morbidity, constipation and anal incontinence scores, patient-reported outcomes, and health-related quality of life (HRQL).

Main Results:

• At a median of 159 months, constipation scores showed initial improvement (p < .001) but later increased, with 9 patients reporting symptoms.
• Anal incontinence scores remained relatively stable, while HRQL indicated reductions in bodily pain, social functioning, and general health perception.
• Symptomatic improvement reported by patients decreased from 100% at short-term to 53% at very long-term follow-up.

Conclusions:

• Resection rectopexy provides sustained symptomatic relief for internal rectal intussusception (IRI) for over six years.
• The procedure does not appear to cause permanent patient sequelae.
• Patients should be counseled on the potential for very long-term deterioration of symptom relief.