POSTERIOR ABDOMINAL RECTOPEXY SIGMOIDECTO MY FOR RECTAL PROLAPSE SYNDROME - ANATOMICAL AND FUNCTIONAL RESULTS

Various options have been suggested to improve the functional results of abdominal rectopexy for rectal prolapse and to limit the risk of po st-operative constipation. Objectives. - In this prospective study, we evaluated the results of posterior abdominal rectopexy-sigmoidectomy to treat rectal prolapse syndrome in terms of morbidity, anatomic corr ection and bowel function. Patient benefits after surgery were assesse d according to their pre-operative functionnal status. Patients and me thods. - Twenty patients (14 females, mean age: 42 years) were treated for rectal prolapse with sutured abdominal rectopexy and sigmoidectom y. Results. - (a) Thirteen patients had normal postoperative course. N o anastomotic leak occurred. Mean hospital stay was 9.7 days. (b) Anat omical control was obtained in all cases for a mean follow-up of 31.2 months without recurrence. (c) Functional results: bowel movements per week remained unchanged pre- and post-operatively (18.6 +/- 33 vs 18. 1 +/- 17). Constipation appeared or worsened in 2 patients (10 %). Ana l incontinence (n = 6-30 %) never worsened post-operatively and improv ed in 3. Conclusions. - This prospective clinical study confirmed the important functional disorders occurring in rectal prolapse syndrome. Rectopexy-sigmoidectomy is a valid option with stable mid-term results . Constipation was observed in 10 % with no worsening of anal incontin ence.