[Open surgical therapy of functional disorders of the rectum and pelvic floor]

An overview is given of common transabdominal procedures for functional disorders of the rectum and pelvic floor which are caused by degenerative morphological changes, and termed pelvic floor insufficiency. Only the transabdominal approach permits a comprehensive and pathophysiological repair of changes associated with the disorder. Own results and a review of the literature confirm a superior functional outcome and low recurrence rates with a combined procedure consisting of rectopexy, colonic resection and pelvic floor repair.