Results of Delorme's procedure for rectal prolapse. Advantages of a modified technique

A retrospective study was undertaken to assess the results of Delorme's procedure for rectal prolapse and to determine the advantages of an innovative extended transrectal repair, which aims at performing a total pelvic floor repair.

A total of 85 patients, ranging in age from 21 to 97 years, were operated on. Sixty-five (82 percent) patients had varying degrees of fecal incontinence. Similar groups of patients were compared with regard to control of the prolapse and restoration of continence according to 1) age and medical condition and 2) operative technique: original vs. extended operation.

Twelve patients (14 percent) developed postoperative complications. There was one perioperative death (1.2 percent). Eighty patients were followed for 6 to 136 (median, 33) months. Eleven (13.5 percent) developed recurrent full-thickness prolapse. The recurrence rate was significantly different 1) between 44 elderly and poor operative risk patients not suitable for abdominal surgery (22.5 percent) and 41 younger patients without concurrent medical conditions, electively submitted to perineal repair (5 percent) (P < 0.05), and 2) between the original procedure (21 percent of 44 patients) and the modified technique (5 percent of 41 patients) (P < 0.05). Forty five patients (69 percent) improved or regained full continence. No patient worsened. No residual dysfunction was induced. Restoration of continence was not influenced by selection of patients or surgical technique.

Despite increased morbidity (22 percent; P < 0.05), advantages of the modified technique were 1) over the original procedure, a reduced recurrence rate, 2) over perineal proctectomy, the absence of coloanal anastomosis and better functional outcome, and 3) over abdominal rectopexy, a less aggressive approach without disturbing effects on bowel habits.