[Rehn-Delorme operation in pelvic floor insufficiency]

Area of Science:

• Colorectal Surgery
• Pelvic Floor Disorders
• Gastrointestinal Motility

Context:

• Rehn-Delorme's procedure is a surgical option for rectal prolapse, particularly in elderly or high-risk patients unfit for abdominal surgery.
• Its acceptance has grown in recent decades due to reported good outcomes and low recurrence rates.
• The study was conducted within a therapeutic concept addressing chronic constipation, rectal prolapse, and fecal incontinence.

Purpose:

• To evaluate the efficacy of Rehn-Delorme's procedure in improving fecal incontinence.
• To assess the complication rates and outcomes of the procedure in a specific patient cohort.
• To analyze changes in continence scores after surgical correction of outlet obstructing mucosal prolapse.

Summary:

• A retrospective study analyzed 78 patients who underwent Rehn-Delorme's procedure for rectal prolapse.
• The study focused on changes in fecal incontinence and continence scores (Kirwan score) post-surgery.
• Zero mortality and acceptable complication rates (15.1% total) including bleeding, suture line disruption, abscesses, and stenosis were reported.

Impact:

• Rehn-Delorme's procedure significantly improved fecal continence scores in patients with rectal prolapse.
• The study demonstrates the procedure's safety and effectiveness, especially for high-risk individuals.
• While generally beneficial, three cases experienced worsened continence due to the removal of the obstructing mucosal wall.