title: Stapled transanal rectal resection for obstructed defecation syndrome associated with rectocele and rectal intussusception.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the safety and efficacy of stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR), and to analyze the outcome of the patients 12-mo after the operation.
  
  
  METHODS
  From May 2007 to October 2008, 50 female patients with rectocele and/or rectal intussusception underwent STARR. The preoperative status, perioperative and postoperative complications at baseline, 3, 6 and 12-mo were assessed. Data were collected prospectively from standardized questionnaires for the assessment of constipation [constipation scoring system, Longo's obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS) score system, symptom severity score], patient satisfaction (visual analogue scale), and quality of life (Patient Assessment of Constipation-Quality of Life Questionnaire).
  
  
  RESULTS
  At a 12-mo follow-up, significant improvement in the constipation scoring system, ODS score system, symptom severity score, visual analog scale and quality of life (P < 0.0001) was observed. The symptoms of constipation improved in 90% of patients at 12 mo after surgery. The self-reported definitive outcome was excellent in 15 (30%) patients, fairly good in 8 (16%), good in 22 (44%), and poor in 5 (10%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  STARR can be performed safely without major morbidity. Moreover, the procedure seems to be effective for patients with obstructed defecation associated with symptomatic rectocele and rectal intussusception.
authors.affiliation: Department of Colon-Rectal Surgery, The Second Artillary General Hospital, Xinjiekouwai Road 168, Xicheng District, Beijing 100088, China.
authors.forename: Bin
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Jian-Hua
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Ding
authors.forename: Shu-Hui
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Yin
authors.forename: Meng
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Ke
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Zhao
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003248:Constipation / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D013505:Digestive System Surgical Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007443:Intussusception / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011788:Quality of Life; D020047:Rectocele / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology; D012007:Rectum / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D017792:Surgical Stapling / Q000379:methods*; D013577:Syndrome