Postanal repair and intersphincteric Ivalon sponge rectopexy for the treatment of rectal prolapse

Twenty-four consecutive patients (mean age: 74 years) with complete rectal prolapse, fifteen of whom were incontinent of solid stool, have been treated by postanal repair and intersphincteric Ivalon sponge rectopexy. There was no operative mortality, or serious morbidity. There was one recurrence of complete prolapse which occurred 14 days after operation. The other 23 patients have been followed for up to 4 years. All patients who were incontinent of solid stool pre-operatively have been rendered continent. This type of operation may be the treatment of choice in the elderly, where an abdominal procedure is considered unwise and in cases of rectal prolapse associated with faecal incontinence.