Perineal rectosigmoidectomy: An effective approach for the repair of complete rectal prolapse

Abstract

The results of five consecutive perineal rectosigmoidectomies were reviewed to evaluate the role of this approach for complete rectal prolapse. There were two male and three female patients, with a median age of 75 years (range 45–82 years). On average, 23.6 cm (range 15–35 cm) of sigmoid colon and rectum was resected. There was no operation‐related mortality. One patient developed postoperative chest infection and another acute retention of urine. No recurrence of the prolapse was detected during a median follow‐up period of 25 months (range 6–42 months). Perineal rectosigmoidectomy is an effective and the least invasive procedure for complete rectal prolapse. It is the preferred approach for patients who have had multiple previous abdominal operations and for the frail elderly patient in whom, particularly, constipation is a major associated feature.