title: Prolapse of the rectum, long-term results of surgical treatment.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study evaluates patency and functional results of abdominal and perineal treatment approaches to prolapse of the rectum.
  
  
  METHODS
  A database search identified patients operated upon for prolapse of the rectum. The operations were abdominal or perineal approaches. The patient's records were reviewed, patients alive were contacted, and a self-report form evaluated functional results. Patients were followed until the prolapse recurred.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A primary operation for prolapse of the rectum was performed in 56 patients. Median age was 59 years (range 20-87) and 78 (40-91) for abdominal and perineal approaches, respectively (p < 0.001). The average length of the prolapses was 8.7 cm (2-25) and 8.6 cm (2-15) for abdominal or perineal approaches. All prolapses treated with a Thiersch's operation recurred within a few months and all prolapses treated with the Delorme's operation recurred within 5 years, whereas the 5-year patency of the abdominal approach was 93% (p < 0.001). No prolapses recurred after mesh rectopexy and the 5-year patency of resection rectopexy was 86%. The abdominal approaches improved stool evacuation and constipation significantly, and anal leakage improved somewhat (p = 0.065). The median hospital stay was 11 (4-20) and 7 (2-155) days after abdominal and perineal approaches (p = 0.003). Complications occurred in 20% of patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The patency of abdominal approach to prolapse of the rectum is better than that of perineal repairs. The abdominal approaches also have a favorable effect on constipation and anal insufficiency. Perineal approaches should be reserved for patients with a very short life expectancy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021, Bergen, Norway.
authors.forename: Anders T
authors.initials: AT
authors.lastname: Hoel
authors.forename: Arne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Skarstein
authors.forename: Kjell K
authors.initials: KK
authors.lastname: Ovrebo
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003248:Constipation / Q000150:complications; D003672:Defecation / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053208:Kaplan-Meier Estimate; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000473:pathology; D012005:Rectal Prolapse / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D013997:Time Factors
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