Abdominal rectopexy and sigmoid resection (Frykman-Goldberg operation) for rectal prolapse

Transabdominal posterior rectopexy with resection of the redundant left colon (Frykman-Goldberg operation) was performed on 48 selected patients with complete rectal prolapse. Uterine suspension was also performed on most of the women. The 30-day mortality rate was 2.1%. Prolapse recurred in 4 (9%) of the 45 patients followed up for 1-10 (mean 4.3) years. There were no complications attributable to bowel resection or anastomosis. Adequate data on both preoperative and postoperative anal function and bowel habit were available in 41 cases. All but two of the 32 patients with associated incontinence experienced improved anal control after the operation (9 regained normal continence). Bowel habit improved in 23 patients (56%), especially in those with chronic constipation. No patient reported increased problems of bowel management. The operation does not involve the risks associated with implantation of foreign material and can be especially beneficial for constipated patients with rectal prolapse who are fit for major abdominal surgery.