Whole gut transit is prolonged after Ripstein rectopexy.
OBJECTIVE
To find out if there are changes in transit time after Ripstein rectopexy and whether measurement of whole gut transit time preoperatively can predict postoperative constipation.


METHODS
Prospective open study.


METHODS
Teaching hospital, Sweden.


METHODS
30 patients undergoing Ripstein rectopexy for rectal prolapse (n = 17) or internal rectal intussusception (n = 13).


METHODS
Whole-gut transit studies and recording of symptoms of constipation preoperatively and postoperatively.


METHODS
Constipation and retention of markers.


RESULTS
Significantly more markers were retained in postoperative compared with preoperative transit studies (p < 0.001). Constipation mainly presented as emptying difficulties and there was no increase in the total number of patients who reported emptying difficulties postoperatively. There was a weak but significant correlation between retention of markers preoperatively and postoperative emptying difficulties (p < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Whole gut transit was prolonged after Ripstein rectopexy. Preoperative retention of markers indicated an increased risk of postoperative constipation.
Schultz
I
I
Department of Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Danderyd Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
Mellgren
A
A
Oberg
M
M
Dolk
A
A
Holmström
B
B
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003248:Constipation / Q000175:diagnosis; D019841:Defecography / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D005772:Gastrointestinal Transit; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011379:Prognosis; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012007:Rectum / Q000601:surgery*; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D013997:Time Factors