Midterm results after perineal stapled prolapse resection for external rectal prolapse.

Background: Previous studies showed that perineal stapled prolapse resection for external rectal prolapse improves continence and has short operation times and low complication rates.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the midterm recurrence rates, functional results, and patient satisfaction after perineal stapled prolapse resection.

Design: This was a retrospective study.

Settings: : The study was performed at a tertiary hospital in Switzerland.

Patients: From November 2007 to October 2011, a total of 56 consecutive patients were included in the study.

Main Outcome Measures: Recurrence rates, functional results according to the Wexner incontinence scale, and patient satisfaction using a visual analog scale were determined.

Results: The median age was 78.5 years (range, 24-94 years), and 2 patients were men. Midterm results were available for 46 (82%) of 56 patients after a median follow-up of 25.5 months (range, 2-47 months). In 10 cases (18%) data collection was not possible. The recurrence rate at 3 years was 19.7% (95% CI 4.2%-32.7%). The Wexner incontinence score improved from a median of 14.5 presurgery to 4.0 points (p < 0.0001) after surgery. Twenty-five patients (54%) stated that their bowel movements were regular postoperatively. On a visual analog scale that measured satisfaction, the median patient score was 9 (range, 0-10), indicating high patient satisfaction.

Limitations: Limitations included the retrospective study design and the lack of clinical examinations to determine recurrence rates.

Conclusions: Perineal stapled prolapse resection is an alternative technique for treating rectal prolapse with a recurrence rate similar to the Altemeier-Mikulicz or Delorme procedures. This technique is a quick and reliable procedure for use in patients with advanced age.