[Rectal prolapse]

Rectal prolapse is the transposition of the entire rectal wall into the rectal lumen, the anal canal or through the anal canal out side. It differs from anal prolapse in thickness, circular plication of the mucosa and, if large, its extent. The cause is not clearly established, but disorders in bowel movement seem to be of importance. Symptoms reach from the feeling of incomplete evacuation to defecation block and irreducible prolapse. The diagnosis of outer prolapse is easy. The inner prolapse [intussusception] can be suspected by anamnesis and in the presence of solitary rectal ulcer. Defecography gives the conclusive examination. Conservative therapy is analogous to hemorrhoids: Fibres and sufficient liquid intake. Operative procedures can be divided in transabdominal and perineal procedures. From the latter Delorme's procedure gives good results with low stress for the patient. Of the transabdominal procedures we favor rectopexy with Ivalon-sponge, preservation of the lateral bands and sigmoid resection. This procedure can easily be done by laparoscopy. Postoperative constipation is observed above all if the lateral bands are dissected and no sigmoid resection is done. Preexistent constipation Improves in about 50% of the cases. Same does incontinence.