Internal rectal intussusception seldom develops into total rectal prolapse.
OBJECTIVE
This study was designed to analyze how often internal rectal intussusception develops into total rectal prolapse.


METHODS
Repeated investigations with defecography were performed in 312 patients because of persisting symptoms. In 79 patients who had a rectal intussusception at the first defecography, results of the second defecography and the patients' records were studied.


RESULTS
A total of 38 patients had not undergone any surgical treatment of rectal intussusception or rectal prolapse between the first and second defecographies. One of these patients had a rectal prolapse at the second defecography, and another developed a clinical prolapse after the second defecography.


CONCLUSIONS
The present study demonstrates that the risk of developing a rectal prolapse in patients with rectal intussusception is small. This risk should, therefore, not be used as an indication for surgery.
Mellgren
A
A
Department of Surgery, Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
Schultz
I
I
Johansson
C
C
Dolk
A
A
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001466:Barium Sulfate / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002933:Cineradiography; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003672:Defecation; D005260:Female; D005471:Fluoroscopy; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007443:Intussusception / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012002:Rectal Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D012005:Rectal Prolapse / Q000209:etiology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D014741:Video Recording
D003287:Contrast Media; D001466:Barium Sulfate