INTERNAL RECTAL INTUSSUSCEPTION SELDOM DEVELOPS INTO TOTAL RECTAL PROLAPSE

PURPOSE: This study was designed to analyze how often internal rectal intussusception develops into total rectal prolapse. METHODS: Repeated investigations with defecography were performed in 312 patients becau se of persisting symptoms. In 79 patients who had a rectal intussuscep tion at the first defecography, results of the second defecography and the patients' records were studied. RESULTS: A total of 38 patients h ad not undergone any surgical treatment of rectal intussusception or r ectal prolapse between the first and second defecographies. One of the se patients had a rectal prolapse at the second defecography, and anot her developed a clinical prolapse after the second defecography. CONCL USIONS: The present study demonstrates that the risk of developing a r ectal prolapse in patients with rectal intussusception is small. This risk should, therefore, not be used as an indication for surgery.