Long-term follow-up of the modified Delorme procedure for rectal prolapse.
OBJECTIVE
The modified Delorme operation is a safe, effective, and durable treatment for complete rectal prolapse.


METHODS
Retrospective analysis of outcomes in adult patients undergoing the modified Delorme operation.


METHODS
Community-based tertiary referral center with a 5-year general surgery residency program.


METHODS
A total of 52 consecutive patients undergoing surgery for the treatment of complete rectal prolapse during the 26-year period ending December 2001.


METHODS
Modified Delorme operation. Main Outcomes Measured Method of anesthesia, morbidity, mortality, recurrence rates, length of follow-up, and incontinence.


RESULTS
In the 52 patients, the mean length of prolapse was 8.2 cm. The mean operating time was 75 minutes. Forty-five patients were administered general anesthesia, 4 were administered spinal anesthesia, and 3 were administered local anesthesia. The mean postoperative stay was 4.9 days for 1975 through 2001 and 2.8 days for 1990 through 2001. No patients died as a result of the procedure. Patients were followed up for 61.4 months. Major medical comorbidities occurred in 40 patients. Preoperative incontinence was present in 12 patients, 10 of whom improved after the procedure, and postoperative incontinence in 8. The recurrent postoperative prolapse rate at 5 years was 6% (3/52) and the recurrent postoperative prolapse rate to the end of the study was 10% (5/52). Two patients (4%) had complications that required operative intervention in the postoperative period.


CONCLUSIONS
The modified Delorme operation is a safe and effective surgical treatment for complete rectal prolapse. The risk of recurrent prolapse is low, and the procedure may be safely performed in patients with significant medical comorbidities.
Department of General and Vascular Surgery, Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, LaCrosse, WI 54601, USA. jlanderc@gundluth.org
Brian P
BP
Watkins
Jeffrey
J
Landercasper
G Eric
GE
Belzer
Paula
P
Rechner
Rebecca
R
Knudson
Marilu
M
Bintz
Pamela
P
Lambert
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D013505:Digestive System Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012005:Rectal Prolapse / Q000601:surgery*; D012008:Recurrence; D013536:Suture Techniques; D016896:Treatment Outcome