title: Extracorporal resection of the rectum in the treatment of complete rectal prolapse using a circular stapling device.
abstract: BACKGROUND AND PATIENTS: The technique of the extracorporal resection of the rectum using a circular stapler in the treatment of complete rectal prolapse is described on the basis of 31 successfully applied operations at the Surgical Unit in Düsseldorf-Gerresheim.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The easy-to-perform operation does not require general anaesthesia, the incidence of peri-operative complications (5/31) and lethality (1/31) is acceptable and post-operative recovery is fast due to less physiologic insult as compared to transabdominal procedures. The recurrence rates (0/22) stand the comparison with transabdominal procedures. The operation can be re-performed in the case of a recurrent prolapse.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our good results show that the perineal rectosigmoidostomy using a circular stapler is a safe and efficient means of controlling rectal prolapse. Many advantages in comparison with transabdominal procedures make it an attractive option for many patients suffering from rectal prolapse.
authors.affiliation: Krankenhaus Düsseldorf-Gerresheim, Chirurgische Klinik, Düsseldorf, Deutschland.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Schütz
mesh_terms: D013505:Digestive System Surgical Procedures; D006801:Humans; D012005:Rectal Prolapse / Q000601:surgery*; D012007:Rectum / Q000601:surgery*; D017792:Surgical Stapling / Q000295:instrumentation*