Surgical treatment of prolapse of the rectum--evaluation of distant results

In the years 1972-1995 41 patients suffering from prolapse of the rectum were operated according to the Moore method. The method is based on the observations which suggest that the cause of prolapse is intestinal intussusception which can be prevented by translocating the anus under the pubic joint. The observation time is from 1 to 23 years. Two patients were reoperated; one-as a result of a recurrence of rectal prolapse and one due to a post-operative adhesive ileus. One patient died as result of peritonitis following an overlooked microperforation in the rectal wall. In the case of the remaining patients, the treatment was fully successful. Regular defecation cycle as well as incontination of stool and flatus returned and the anal sphincters almost fully regained their tension in comparison to the pre-operative state. Early and distant results of surgery of prolapse of the rectum are satisfactory.