Laparoscopic nonresectional suture rectopexy in the management of full-thickness rectal prolapse: substantive retrospective series.

BACKGROUND: Numerous surgical options exist for the correction of rectal prolapse, with the optimal choice remaining controversial. The laparoscopic approach has proved to be popular and effective. Concern exists about nonresectional rectopexy in the form of intractable postoperative constipation. The authors present their experience with nonresectional laparoscopic suture rectopexy.

METHODS: All patients presenting with a full-thickness rectal prolapse between August 1994 and August 2009 who proved to be fit for a general anesthesia were offered a laparoscopic repair. Data were entered into a database, then prospectively and retrospectively analyzed. The data recorded included patient demographics, preoperative symptoms, conversion to open procedure, length of hospital stay, and postoperative complications. Preoperative Cleveland Clinic Incontinence Scores (CCIS) were calculated. Follow-up evaluation was by telephone questionnaire. Postoperative constipation, recurrence, and CCIS were noted.

RESULTS: The series included 72 patients (71 women, 98%) with a median age of 72 years (range, 24-88 years). The median follow-up period was 48 months (range, 5-144 months). A total of 13 patients were lost to follow-up evaluation. The median operating time was 98 min (range, 35-200 min), and the median hospital stay was 2 days (range, 1-29 days). Three conversions to open procedure (5%) were performed. The median preoperative CCIS was 9.54 compared with 4.44 postoperatively (p = 0.024). The complications included one postoperative bleed requiring transfusion, one port-site abscess requiring incision and drainage, one postoperative retention of urine, and one chest infection. Postoperatively, 10 patients (17%) reported occasional constipation not requiring intervention, and an additional 10 patients (17%) reported more severe constipation, all managed successfully with regular laxatives. The patients followed up experienced six recurrences (9%). No postoperative deaths occurred.

CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic abdominal suture rectopexy without resection is safe and effective for the treatment of full-thickness rectal prolapse.