Perineal rectopexy for rectal prolapse

Twenty-two female patients (mean age 75 years) with complete rectal prolapse have been treated by operative fixation of the rectum to the sacrum using a perineal approach. There has been no operative mortality, sepsis or serious morbidity. Recurrence of complete prolapse has been seen once only within a month of operation and was due to inadequate operative fixation. The other 21 patients have been followed for up to 4 years. This type of operation may be the treatment of choice in the elderly patient considered unfit for major abdominal surgery but further experience is required before it can be advocated in other groups of patients.