Complications after stapled transanal rectal resection for obstructed defecation

Abstract

To evaluate the safety of stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) for the treatment of obstructed defecation syndrome(ODS). A retrospective study was performed in 112 female patients with ODS eligible for STARR. The short-lerm and long-term postoperative complications were recorded and assessed. Short-term postoperative complications and adverse events were reported in 18 patients (16.1%) including fecal incontinence (4.5%), anastomotic bleeding (2.7%), staple line partial dehiscence (0.9%), anal fissure (2.7%), acute urinary retention (1.8%), thrombosed external hemorrhoid (1.8%), hematoma of the rectovaginal septum (0.9%) and fecal impaction (0.9%). Reoperation was required in 2 patients (1.8%) due to the short-term postoperative complications. The median length of follow-up was 24 months. There were 6 patients with long-term postoperative complications (5.4%) including fecal incontinence (1.8%), defecatory urgency (0.9%), chronic pain due to anastomotic inflammation (1.8%), and chronic pain due to anal rectal diverticulum (0.9%). Three patients (2.7%) were reoperated. STARR appears to be a safe technique for patients with obstructed defecation.