Rectal prolapse. Functional results after the Orr-Loygue's rectopexy technique

The aims of surgery in rectal prolapse are various: reducing the prolapse, preventing relapse, clearing up incontinence and avoiding constipation. Among several technical options available, anterior rectopexy would appear to be the most suitable for achieving these aims. A retrospective clinical study was conducted in 32 patients operated on from January 1996 to June 1999. For patient recruitment, the preoperative examinations were clinical evaluation, barium enema, anorectal manometry, and urodynamic tests. Surgical procedures were Orr-Loygue rectopexy in 29 cases and Ripstein rectopexy in 3 cases. A sigmoidectomy was also performed in 9 cases and a Burch cystopexy in 4 cases. Early results are available for all patients; only 29 have been evaluated after a mean follow-up of 47 months (range: 30-72). Rectal tenesmus, faecal incontinence and urinary incontinence improved in all cases. Constipation cleared up in 9 cases after a complementary sigmoidectomy; in 15 of the remaining 20 patients constipation persisted or developed. Indications for surgery for rectal prolapse must be considered with caution. The good results of anterior rectopexy depend on correct surgical technique and prevention of septic and pelvic complications. Sigmoidectomy does not increase the morbility rate. A planned colic resection in patients with delayed transit would prevent postoperative constipation. The good results are stable even over long-term follow-up periods. This procedure is also effective for the treatment of genital prolapses.