Laparoscopic Suture Rectopexy for Rectal Prolapse

Yoon, Seo Gue; Kim, Khun Uk; Noh, Khun Young; Lee, Jung Kyun; Kim, Kwang Yun

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study was undertaken to eveluate the early results of the laparoscopic suture rectopexy in the treatment of rectal prolapse.
METHODS
From May 1999 to July 2001, laparoscopic suture rectopexy (LSR) was successfully performed in 26 patients and the results were compared to those of 5 patients with open suture rectopexy (OSR) and 6 patients with open resection rectopexy (ORR). Preoperative and postoperative functional assessment included Wexner's incontinence score, constipation score, and anorectal manometry.
RESULTS
Immediate postoperative morbidity was minimal in all groups. Bowel function was resumed significantly sooner (P=0.001), the numbers of the analgesics injection were significantly fewer (P<0.001) and postoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter (P<0.001) in the LSR than in the open groups. Postoperatively, the anal resting and squeezing pressures increased slightly and Wexner's incontinence score decreased significantly in all groups of patients. Constipation score decreased slightly in all groups of patients after surgery. There was one mucosal prolapse recurrence after surgery in the LSR.
CONCLUSIONS
Laparoscopic suture rectopexy for rectal prolapse can be performed safely. Recovery is uneventful and of shorter duration after the laparoscopic than after the open approach. Functional results are obtained similarly with both approaches.