title: Modified perineal stapled rectal resection with Contour Transtar for full-thickness rectal prolapse.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We report a modified technique of perineal proctectomy using a new reloadable curved cutter stapler, the Contour Transtar (Ethicon Endo-Surgery), to treat full-thickness external rectal prolapse.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between May and July 2008 three female patients were treated. All had a full-thickness external rectal prolapse up to 10 cm in length. The prolapse was initially divided by a linear cutter in anterior and posterior flaps, and resection of the prolapse was performed with a Contour Transtar stapler.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was no mortality or early or late morbidity. Follow-up was 2-4 months. All patients had a bowel movement within 3 days of the operation, oral feeding started immediately and the hospital stay was 5 days in all cases. All patients reported an improvement of constipation and continence.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our procedure may be indicated for full-thickness prolapse with a rectal protrusion up to 10 cm, as it allows a simple resection without any mobilization or dissection of the rectum. The technique is safe, easier and faster to perform than conventional perineal rectosigmoidectomy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, S. G. Moscati Hospital, Naples, Italy. gromano53@katamail.com
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Romano
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Bianco
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Caggiano
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012005:Rectal Prolapse / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery*; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D013528:Surgical Staplers; D017792:Surgical Stapling / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*