A. Mellgren et al., INTERNAL RECTAL INTUSSUSCEPTION SELDOM DEVELOPS INTO TOTAL RECTAL PROLAPSE, Diseases of the colon & rectum, 40(7), 1997, pp. 817-820
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.