Abstract
BackgroundThe aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate morbidity, mortality, postoperative function and recurrences in patients treated by Altemeier’s rectosigmoidectomy for complete rectal prolapse in a referral center for pelvic floor functional disorders.MethodsPeri-operative data on 43 consecutive female patients were reviewed. At follow-up any change in pelvic floor function and recurrences were determined. Thirty four patients were assessed at a median interval of 49 (2–135) months, six being deceased for reason not related to the prolapse and three lost to follow-up.ResultsPost-operative complications at 30 days occurred in 18 patients (38%). Major complication occurred in only one patient that was pneumonia with lung failure. Major complications were not related to the ASA score, BMI or age [average age 76.4]. There was no post-operative mortality at 30 days.At long-term follow-up functional results demonstrate a statistically significant decrease in the Obstructive Defecation Syndrome (ODS) score, but no statistically significant changes in the Vaizey score, the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form (ICIQ-SF) score and the urinary retention score. ODS score decreased with respect to levatorplasty and the change was statistically significant instead of Vaizey score in which were not.At the same follow-up there were 12 (35%) cases of recurrence with an estimated risk at 48 months of 40%. There were no statistically significant differences between patients with and without recurrence regarding age (p = 0.188), BMI (p = 0.864), ASA score (p = 0.433), previously repaired prolapse (p = 0.398), previous hysterectomy (p = 0.705), length of resected bowel (p = 0.126), and levatorplasty (p = 0.304). Patient satisfaction showed a mean of 8.8 and 6.4 respectively in patients without and with recurrences (p = 0.012).ConclusionsAltemeier’s procedure had in our series low complications rate and no mortality. It offered improved evacuation in constipated patients while didn’t improve fecal and urinary continence. Recurrence of prolapse was 40% at four years.
Highlights
The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate morbidity, mortality, postoperative function and recurrences in patients treated by Altemeier’s rectosigmoidectomy for complete rectal prolapse in a referral center for pelvic floor functional disorders
In the present study we evaluated the results of Altemeier’s procedure in a sequential series of patients with complete rectal prolapse to determine the rates of early morbidity and mortality, the long term functions and recurrences
The present study evaluated the morbidity, mortality, function and recurrence rate in patients undergoing Altemeier’s operation for complete rectal prolapse
Summary
The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate morbidity, mortality, postoperative function and recurrences in patients treated by Altemeier’s rectosigmoidectomy for complete rectal prolapse in a referral center for pelvic floor functional disorders. Rectal prolapse has an estimated incidence of 2.5/100000 of the general population. It occurs mostly in patients over 50 years of age with a female/male ratio of around 10/1 [1]. The etiology is multifactorial and includes weakness of the pelvic floor, chronic constipation, multiple pregnancies, previous pelvic surgery and a deep pouch of Douglas [2]. It is associated with a mixed pattern of functional disorders ranging from difficulty of evacuation of stool, so called obstructive defecation syndrome (ODS), to fecal incontinence. The aim of surgical repair is to reduce the mobility of the rectum and sigmoid colon by fixation with or without removal of the prolapsing rectum and sigmoid colon and to give mechanical support to sphincters and pelvic floor [3].
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