Short-term outcomes of laparoscopic suture rectopexy in the treatment of full-thickness rectal prolapse

Abstract

Background: Full-thickness rectal prolapse is a debilitating disease that is treated mainly surgically. Various abdominal and perineal procedures have been reported as a surgical treatment for rectal prolapse. Suture rectopexy by the laparoscopic approach has recently gained acceptance as a favored surgical technique for rectal prolapse treatment. This study aims to evaluate the short-term outcomes of laparoscopic suture rectopexy performed for full-thickness rectal prolapse (FTRP). Patients and Methods: This is a retrospective observational study evaluating laparoscopic suture rectopexy as regards postoperative recurrence, bowel function, constipation and incontinence, sexual function, and overall satisfaction in a 6-month duration after surgery. The study included 31 adult patients admitted at Ain-Shams University Hospitals with complete rectal prolapse operated by the same surgical team between January 2021 and December 2022. Results: Out of 31 patients who underwent laparoscopic suture rectopexy, one case only had a complete recurrence, no sexual disorders had been reported. Nineteen patients presented with constipation; seven of them had complete resolution, nine were significantly improved; however, three patients had no change. Eleven patients presented with incontinence, seven had complete resolution, and the other four were improved according to the Wexner score. Conclusion: For full-thickness rectal prolapse, laparoscopic suture rectopexy is a safe procedure with a low recurrence rate and good functional results during the short-term follow-up.