Our Summary

This research paper looks at a surgical method called laparoscopic ventral rectopexy (LVR) which is used to treat rectal prolapse, a condition where the rectum, the last part of the large intestine, slips out of place. In this study, a special type of material called a biological mesh is used in the surgery.

The researchers looked back at the medical records of 51 patients who had this surgery between December 2011 and May 2014. They specifically looked at two problems patients may have had before and after surgery: obstructed defecation (difficulty passing stool) and faecal incontinence (inability to control bowel movements).

Before the surgery, nearly three-quarters of the patients had problems with obstructed defecation, but after the surgery, less than half of them still had this issue. Also, before the surgery, over a quarter of the patients had faecal incontinence, but after the surgery, only about 7% still had this problem.

The study found that the surgery using a biological mesh is safe and greatly reduces the symptoms associated with rectal prolapse. However, about 13% of patients saw a return of their symptoms by the end of the follow-up period.

FAQs

  1. What is laparoscopic ventral rectopexy (LVR) and what condition does it treat?
  2. What improvements were found in patients’ symptoms following the LVR surgery using a biological mesh?
  3. What percentage of patients experienced a return of their symptoms after the LVR surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about rectal prolapse surgery using a biological mesh is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including avoiding heavy lifting and strenuous activities, maintaining a high-fiber diet to prevent constipation, and attending follow-up appointments to monitor for any recurrence of symptoms. It is also important to communicate any concerns or new symptoms to your healthcare provider promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for rectal prolapse surgery are those who have persistent symptoms such as difficulty passing stool (obstructed defecation) and inability to control bowel movements (faecal incontinence) that significantly impact their quality of life. These symptoms may not improve with conservative treatment options such as medication or physical therapy, and surgery may be necessary to correct the underlying issue.

In this study, patients who underwent laparoscopic ventral rectopexy (LVR) with a biological mesh had significant improvements in their symptoms of rectal prolapse. However, it is important to note that a small percentage of patients may experience a recurrence of symptoms after surgery, highlighting the importance of discussing the risks and benefits of surgery with a healthcare provider.

Timeline

Overall, the timeline for a patient before and after rectal prolapse surgery may look like this:

Before surgery:

  • Patient experiences symptoms of rectal prolapse, such as the feeling of a bulge or lump protruding from the rectum
  • Patient may have difficulty passing stool (obstructed defecation) and/or inability to control bowel movements (faecal incontinence)
  • Patient consults with a healthcare provider and is diagnosed with rectal prolapse
  • Patient and healthcare provider discuss treatment options, including surgical intervention

After surgery:

  • Patient undergoes laparoscopic ventral rectopexy (LVR) surgery using a biological mesh to treat rectal prolapse
  • Patient is monitored closely post-surgery for any complications or side effects
  • In the weeks following surgery, patient may experience some discomfort or pain as they recover
  • Over time, patient’s symptoms of rectal prolapse, obstructed defecation, and faecal incontinence improve significantly
  • Patient may need to follow a specific post-operative care plan, including dietary changes and physical therapy, to aid in their recovery
  • Follow-up appointments with the healthcare provider are scheduled to monitor the patient’s progress and address any concerns

Overall, rectal prolapse surgery can greatly improve a patient’s quality of life by reducing symptoms and restoring normal bowel function.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about rectal prolapse surgery using laparoscopic ventral rectopexy with a biological mesh include:

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this type of surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery period after surgery, and what can I expect in terms of pain and discomfort?
  3. Will I need to make any lifestyle changes or follow a special diet after the surgery?
  4. What is the success rate of this surgery for treating rectal prolapse, and how likely is it that my symptoms will improve?
  5. Will I need to undergo any additional treatments or follow-up procedures after the surgery?
  6. How experienced are you in performing laparoscopic ventral rectopexy with a biological mesh, and what is your success rate with this procedure?
  7. How long do the effects of the surgery typically last, and is there a chance that my symptoms could return in the future?
  8. Are there any alternative treatment options for rectal prolapse that I should consider?
  9. Will I need to stay in the hospital after the surgery, and if so, for how long?
  10. What can I do to prepare for the surgery, and are there any specific instructions I need to follow before the procedure?

Reference

Authors: Albayati S, Morgan MJ, Turner CE. Journal: Colorectal Dis. 2017 Sep;19(9):857-862. doi: 10.1111/codi.13671. PMID: 28371010