Laparoscopic-assisted resection-rectopexy for rectal prolapse: early and medium follow-up

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Surgical Outcomes

Background:

• Rectal prolapse is a condition requiring surgical intervention.
• Traditional open surgery has known risks and recovery times.
• Laparoscopic techniques offer potential advantages in surgical procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the technique of laparoscopic-assisted resection rectopexy.
• To audit the clinical and functional outcomes of this procedure.
• To compare outcomes with open surgical methods.

Main Methods:

• Prospective data collection on operative time, flatus/feces passage, hospital stay, morbidity, and mortality.
• Standardized questionnaire and clinical/telephone follow-up by an independent assessor.
• Comparison of outcomes between early and late patient cohorts.

Main Results:

• 30 patients underwent laparoscopic-assisted resection rectopexy with a median operation time of 185 minutes and hospital stay of 5 days.
• Morbidity was 13% and mortality was 3%.
• Significant improvements in operating time and hospital stay were noted over time. 92% of patients reported symptom improvement, with notable gains in continence (70%) and constipation (64%).

Conclusions:

• Laparoscopic-assisted resection rectopexy is a feasible and safe procedure for rectal prolapse.
• It yields acceptable recurrence rates and functional results compared to open surgery.
• The procedure is associated with rapid return of intestinal function and early hospital discharge.