[Rectopexy to the left inguinal ligament. Technique and preliminary results]

We report the procedure and the results of a new surgical technique for adult rectal prolapse by left inguinal ligament rectopexy. Seven patients were operated on, and presented with total rectal prolapse (n = 6) or internal procidentia associated with a solitary rectal ulcer syndrome (n = 1). Mean follow-up was 64 months (56-78 months). One patient experienced a postoperative complication: a regressive temporary dysesthesia of the left lateral femoral cutaneous nerve. Three patients had mild postoperative constipation. There was no recurrence. Preliminary results show that it is a suitable procedure. It may be successfully applied to the treatment of rectal prolapse and internal procidentia complicated by a solitary rectal ulcer syndrome, particularly when the use of synthetic material is precluded after a rectal wound. Further studies are required to confirm these preliminary results.