Our Summary

This research focused on the long-term results of a specific type of surgery called laparoscopic rectopexy, which is used to treat a condition where the rectum protrudes from the anus, known as full-thickness rectal prolapse (FTRP). The study observed patients who had this surgery between 2006 and 2014 at one medical center and followed up with them to see how they fared. The main measurement was whether the prolapse came back, but they also looked at other outcomes and any complications from the surgery.

Out of 80 patients (mostly women, with an average age of 66), 35 had the surgery because their prolapse had returned. Most patients had one specific type of the procedure, and none of them had to have their surgeries switched to a traditional open surgery. A small number of patients needed another operation within a month because of complications.

After an average follow-up of nearly five years, 23% of patients experienced a recurrence of the prolapse, with the average time for this happening being a year after surgery. Prolapse came back within a year in 12% of patients. Having had multiple previous repairs for prolapse increased the chances of it coming back. Out of 71 patients who were followed up for a year, 58% had been experiencing fecal incontinence (lack of control over bowel movements) before the surgery. This improved or resolved completely in about 39% of these patients.

The study concluded that laparoscopic rectopexy is a safe surgery for treating full-thickness rectal prolapse. However, the effectiveness of the surgery decreases over time, particularly for those who had the surgery because their prolapse had returned.

FAQs

  1. What is laparoscopic rectopexy and what condition does it treat?
  2. What were the long-term results of the laparoscopic rectopexy surgery in the study between 2006 and 2014?
  3. Does the effectiveness of laparoscopic rectopexy decrease over time, and if so, for whom?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about rectal prolapse surgery is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully to help prevent complications and promote healing. This may include taking prescribed medications, avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous activity, eating a high-fiber diet to prevent constipation, and attending follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider. It is also important to communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to your doctor promptly.

Suitable For

Overall, patients who are recommended for rectal prolapse surgery are those who have full-thickness rectal prolapse, particularly those who have had multiple previous repairs for prolapse or whose prolapse has returned after initial treatment. Additionally, patients who are experiencing fecal incontinence may benefit from this surgery as well. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine if rectal prolapse surgery is the best treatment option for individual patients.

Timeline

Overall, the timeline for a patient experiencing rectal prolapse surgery involves:

  • Pre-surgery: Patient experiences symptoms of rectal prolapse, such as the protrusion of the rectum from the anus. Consultation with a healthcare provider, diagnosis of full-thickness rectal prolapse, and discussion of treatment options, including laparoscopic rectopexy surgery.

  • Surgery: Patient undergoes laparoscopic rectopexy surgery to repair the rectal prolapse. Surgery is successful, and patient is monitored for any complications during and immediately after the procedure.

  • Post-surgery: Patient experiences a recovery period following surgery, with follow-up appointments to monitor healing and assess outcomes. Some patients may experience improvements in symptoms such as fecal incontinence, while others may have a recurrence of the prolapse over time.

  • Long-term follow-up: Patient continues to be monitored for several years after surgery to assess the long-term effectiveness of the procedure. Some patients may experience a recurrence of the prolapse, particularly if they have had multiple previous repairs for prolapse.

Overall, the timeline for a patient undergoing rectal prolapse surgery involves a combination of pre-surgery consultations, the surgical procedure itself, post-operative recovery, and long-term follow-up to assess outcomes and potential complications.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about rectal prolapse surgery include:

  1. What is the success rate of laparoscopic rectopexy for treating full-thickness rectal prolapse?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery period after surgery and what can I expect during this time?
  4. Will I need to make any lifestyle changes or follow a special diet after the surgery?
  5. What is the likelihood of the prolapse recurring after the surgery, especially if it had returned before?
  6. How will the surgery affect my bowel function and fecal incontinence, if I was experiencing this before?
  7. Are there any alternative treatment options for rectal prolapse that I should consider?
  8. How many of these surgeries have you performed, and what is your experience and success rate with this procedure?
  9. Can you provide me with information about the long-term outcomes and follow-up care after the surgery?
  10. Are there any specific factors or conditions that may affect the success of the surgery in my case?

Reference

Authors: de Bruijn H, Maeda Y, Tan KN, Jenkins JT, Kennedy RH. Journal: Tech Coloproctol. 2019 Jan;23(1):25-31. doi: 10.1007/s10151-018-1913-z. Epub 2019 Jan 2. PMID: 30604250