[Management of rectal prolapse by rectal mobilization and fixation with Ivalon sponge]

Follow-up is reported in 34 patients with rectal prolapse treated at the Department of Surgery, Aarau, in the period 1972-1980 by mobilization of the rectum and fixation with Ivalon Sponge. The follow-up showed that the method has a low complication rate and a low recurrence rate (2 minor recurrences). Noteworthy is the good restoration of continence. Prior to surgery, 60% of the patients were also incontinent for solid stool. In the follow-up, all the patients were continent for normal stool and half for liquid stool. Despite the advanced age of some of the patients, postoperative mortality was nil.