Gastrointestinal obstruction in the course of incarcerated rectal prolapse – a case report

Abstract

Full thickness rectal prolapse is rare among young individuals. In most cases, rectal prolapse occurs only during bowel movement and the prolapsed rectum returns spontaneously afterwards. In rare cases, however, increased oedema makes it impossible for the rectum to return and may cause lower intestinal obstruction. We describe a case of a 50-year-old male with intestinal obstruction due to incarcerated rectal prolapse. The patient was qualified for an urgent surgery using the Altemeier’s technique. Perineal rectal resection is a method that has been used for many years. It is dedicated mostly to patients at an advanced age who additionally require levator repair due to pelvic floor muscle failure, which is relatively easy to perform using this access. In the presented case, however, perineal access was the only one possible regardless of the pelvic floor function. The surgery itself and the postoperative period were uneventful, and the functional treatment outcome was excellent. Conclusion: the Altemeier’s procedure is an effective treatment option for intestinal obstruction due to incarcerated rectal prolapse.