RECTOPEXY TO THE LEFT INGUINAL LIGAMENT - PROCEDURE AND PRELIMINARY-RESULTS

We report the procedure and the results of a new surgical technique fo r adult rectal prolapse by left inguinal ligament rectopexy. Seven pat ients were operated on, and presented with total rectal prolapse (n = 6) or internal procidentia associated with a solitary rectal ulcer syn drome (n = 1). Mean follow-up was 64 months (56-78 months). One patien t experienced a postoperative complication : a regressive temporary dy sesthesia of the left lateral femoral cutaneous nerve. Three patients had mild postoperative constipation. There was no recurrence. Prelimin ary results show that it is a suitable procedure. It may be successful ly applied to the treatment of rectal prolapse and internal procidenti a complicated by a solitary rectal ulcer syndrome, particularly when t he use of synthetic material is precluded after a rectal wound. Furthe r studies are required to confirm these preliminary results.