title: Laparoscopic resection rectopexy for rectal prolapse: a single-center study during 16 years.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Many different techniques to treat rectal prolapse have been introduced. Laparoscopic resection rectopexy has been shown to entail benefits regarding both perioperative results and short-term outcome, whereas data for long-term outcome are scarce.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between 1993 and 2008, all laparoscopic resection rectopexies for rectal prolapse II° or III° were selected from a prospective laparoscopic colorectal surgery database. We analyzed demographic, perioperative, and follow-up results. We defined two periods (1993-2000 and 2001-2008) for comparison of data. Long-term follow-up was obtained by sending questionnaires to all patients. Evaluation included constipation, incontinence, and recurrence of prolapse.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Between January 1993 and November 2008, we performed 152 laparoscopic resection rectopexies for rectal prolapse. Median age was 64.1 years (± 14.6). Conversion rate was 0.7% (1), mean operation time was 204 (± 65.3) min, and was significantly shorter in the second period compared with the first (P < 0.0001). Mortality was 0.7% (n = 1). Complication rates were 4% (n = 6; major) and 19.2% (n = 29; minor), respectively. Mean length of hospital stay was 11.3 (± 6.4) days and was significantly shorter in the second period compared with the first period (P < 0.0001). Mean time of follow-up was 47.7 (± 41.6) months. Improvement or complete elimination of constipation was stated by 81.3% (65), and improvement or elimination of incontinence was stated by 67.3% (72). Overall recurrence rate was 11.1% (n = 10) with a rate of 5.6% (n = 5) for a 5-year period. Of those patients with previous perineal surgery for rectal prolapse, 53.8% (7/13) experienced recurrent prolapse after laparoscopic resection rectopexy in contrast to 3.9% (3/77) of patients without previous perineal prolapse surgery (P < 0.0001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our data support the benefits of laparoscopic resection rectopexy for rectal prolapse regarding both perioperative results and long-term functional outcome. Preceding perineal or open abdominal operations have an impact on recurrence after laparoscopic resection rectopexy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538, Lübeck, Germany. tlaubert@googlemail.com
authors.forename: Tilman
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Laubert
authors.forename: Markus
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kleemann
authors.forename: Alexander
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Schorcht
authors.forename: Ralf
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Czymek
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Jungbluth
authors.forename: Franz G
authors.initials: FG
authors.lastname: Bader
authors.forename: H-P
authors.initials: HP
authors.lastname: Bruch
authors.forename: Uwe J
authors.initials: UJ
authors.lastname: Roblick
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012005:Rectal Prolapse / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D012007:Rectum / Q000601:surgery; D012086:Reoperation; D016896:Treatment Outcome