Functional results after treatment of rectal prolapse with rectopexy and sigmoid resection

Constipation and incontinence are frequent complications of rectal prolapse. Surgery should not only aim to correct prolapse but also improve bowel and sphincter function. From 1986–1991 42 patients with procidentia were treated by rectopexy and sigmoid resection. The mean age was 61.1 years. Thirty‐nine patients were available for follow‐up examination. Mean follow‐up was 54 months. Functional data were collected prospectively before the operation and at follow‐up and included clinical parameters, a constipation score, an incontinence score, anal manometry [mean resting pressure (MRP), mean maximum pressure (MMP)], proctography [anorectal angle (ARA)] and colonic transit studies [mean transit time (MTT), rectosigmoid transit time (RSTT)]. The postoperative complication rate was 7.1% (n=3), mortality was 0%. No recurrence was seen. Constipation complaints improved from 43.6% to 25.6% (p