title: Obstructive defecation syndrome: 19 years of experience with laparoscopic resection rectopexy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In obstructive defecation syndrome (ODS) combinations of morphologic alterations of the pelvic floor and the colorectum are nearly always evident. Laparoscopic resection rectopexy (LRR) aims at restoring physiological function. We present the results of 19 years of experience with this procedure in patients with ODS.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between 1993 and 2012, 264 patients underwent LRR for ODS at our department. Perioperative and follow-up data were analyzed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The female/male ratio was 25.4:1, mean age was 61.3 years (±14.3 years), and mean body mass index (BMI) was 25.2 kg/m(2) (±4.2 kg/m(2)). The pathological conditions most frequently found in combination were a sigmoidocele plus a rectocele (n = 79) and a sigmoidocele plus a rectal prolapse or intussusception (n = 69). The conversion rate was 2.3 % (n = 6). The mortality rate was 0.75 % (n = 2), the rate of complications requiring surgical re-intervention was 4.3 % (n = 11), and the rate of minor complications was 19.8 % (n = 51). Follow-up data were available for 161 patients with a mean follow-up of 58.2 months (±47.1 months). Long-term results showed that 79.5 % of patients (n = 128) reported at least an improvement of symptoms. In cases of a sigmoidocele (n = 63 available for follow-up) or a rectal prolapse II°/III° (n = 72 available for follow-up), the improvement rates were 79.4 % (n = 50) and 81.9 % (n = 59), respectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  LRR is a safe and effective procedure. Our perioperative results and long-term functional outcome strengthen the evidence regarding benefits of LRR in patients with an outlet obstruction. However, careful patient selection is essential.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein Campus Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538, Lübeck, Germany. tlaubert@googlemail.com
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Laubert
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kleemann
authors.forename: U J
authors.initials: UJ
authors.lastname: Roblick
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bürk
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Hildebrand
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lewejohann
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Schlöricke
authors.forename: H-P
authors.initials: HP
authors.lastname: Bruch
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000465:Algorithms; D002908:Chronic Disease; D015897:Comorbidity; D003248:Constipation / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D013505:Digestive System Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012005:Rectal Prolapse / Q000601:surgery; D020047:Rectocele / Q000453:epidemiology; D012007:Rectum / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D013536:Suture Techniques; D013577:Syndrome; D016896:Treatment Outcome