title: Helicoidal suture: alternative treatment for complete rectal prolapse in high-risk patients.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Optimal treatment for rectal prolapse is controversial. We describe a novel alternative treatment for high-risk patients with complete rectal prolapse.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixteen high-risk patients over 60 years old with complete rectal prolapse were examined. All patients had significant past medical history and were classified as grade III (ASA) surgical risk. The helicoidal suture technique is described. Postoperative parameters evaluated were morbidity, mortality, postoperative symptoms, recurrence and anal incontinence score. Median follow-up was 60 months.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were no operative complications or mortality in the series; one patient experienced recurrence. Median postoperative anal incontinence score was 6.06 (range 1-30; preoperative 23.6).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This technique provides adequate functional outcomes and could be an effective therapeutic strategy against rectal prolapse in high-risk patients.
authors.affiliation: Camino Santa Teresa No. 1055, Col. Héroes de Padierna, C.P. 10700, Torre Angeles 927, México City, Mexico. edvilla@netservice.com.mx
authors.forename: Eduardo
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Villanueva Sáenz
authors.forename: Paulino
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Martínez Hernández-Magro
authors.forename: José Fernando
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Alvarez-Tostado Fernández
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002400:Cathartics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000529:Complementary Therapies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008800:Mexico; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012005:Rectal Prolapse / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery; D012008:Recurrence; D012307:Risk Factors; D013536:Suture Techniques; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D002400:Cathartics