Clinical outcomes of stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) for obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS): a single institution experience in South Korea.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess both the short- and long-term functional outcomes of stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) in ODS patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of data that were collected from January 2005 to October 2008. Between January 2005 to June 2006, 58 patients who underwent STARR were enrolled in this study. Follow-up was scheduled for 3 months and 1 year after surgery with the Cleveland Clinic Florida (CCF) constipation score and satisfaction grade. To evaluate the long-term functional outcome, we interviewed the patients by telephone using questionnaires for the CCF score and satisfaction grade on October 2008.

RESULTS: The median follow-up period was 34 months (range, 27-46 months). The mean age and sex ratio were 54 years (range, 19-85 years) and 8:50 (M/F). The mean CCF constipation scores were 17.6 before the surgery, 9.5 at 3 months, 9.6 at 12 months, and 10.3 at the time of the latest interview. The satisfaction grade, which was rated as excellent and good by 63.4% of the patients at the time of the latest interview, was worse than that at 3 months (37.8%). Among the cases of the excellent group (19 cases) at postoperative 3 months, 13 cases (68.4%) were classified as excellent or good at the time of the latest interview.

CONCLUSION: The STARR is a safe and effective surgical procedure for restoring the anatomy and function in ODS patients. Strict selection of patients is needed in enhancing and maintaining the patients' satisfaction after the procedure.