Rectal prolapse surgeries using perineal, trans-anal and extra-anal approach

Abstract

Rectal prolapse is a rare condition. Epidemiological data estimate that 4/1,000 adults are affected. Although rectal prolapse in most often seen in older women, it may develop in both men and women at any age. In the last century, perineal access was the primary surgical approach in patients with rectal prolapse. Currently, a number of transabdominal (laparotomy, laparoscopy) and transperineal techniques are used. Proper preoperative qualification is of key importance for therapeutic success in a patient with rectal prolapse. Indications for perineal rectal prolapse surgery include advanced age, general comorbidities, short-segment prolapse, incarceration and necrotic rectal prolapse. Advantages of the perineal approach include prolapse repair by resection, simultaneous repair of pelvic prolapse, and, in the case of overlapping anal sphincter insufficiency (which is common), the possibility of simultaneous anterior and posterior levator ani repair. Perineal rectosigmoidectomy (Altemeier’s procedure) and Delorme’s procedure are the most common perineal surgical procedures performed in patients with full-thickness rectal prolapse. Anal encirclement (Thiersch wire) is a historical method, which is used in rare cases of patients not eligible for other procedures. STARR (stapler transanal rectal resection), wedge resection of the rectal mucosa, mucosal plication (Gant-Miwa procedure) may be used in patients with partial-thickness rectal prolapse. The paper presents the above mentioned surgical methods, along with their indications, uses, advantages, disadvantages, and possible complications.