Laparoscopic Protack™ rectopexy: Early experience of a novel technique for full thickness rectal prolapse in children

Laparoscopic Posterolateral Suture Rectopexy for Recurrent Rectal Prolapse in Children

Introduction: Laparoscopic rectopexy for recurrent rectal prolapse (RP) is more widely used nowadays. Strict indications are needed to get proper outcomes. The advantages rely on the careful dissection of peritoneal sac and fixation of rectum. One of the theories of recurrent RP is hernia-like physiology in front of the rectum. Purpose: The aim of this study is to present our experience of posterolateral laparoscopic suture rectopexy (LSR) in indicated children of recurrent RP. Patients and Methods: Sixteen patients were included with recurrent RP wherein all were subjected to LSR procedure after exclusion of other probable causes. Dissection of peritoneal sac anterior to the rectum was carried out followed by closure of the deep pouch by nonabsorbable sutures then fixation of the right side of rectum and sigmoid to the lateral wall of areolar tissue. Fixation to sacral promontory is done by Ethibond or Prolene sutures when redundancy is obvious. Results: The study included 11 girls and 5 boys with age ranging between 3 and 12 years in the past 5 years. Ten cases were treated earlier with injection therapy and 6 following Thiersh procedure after failure of conservative treatment for 6 months. Operative time ranged between 40 and 100 minutes. Follow-up period ranged between 6 and 36 months with mean of 19.5 months. Postoperative mucosal prolapse reported in 1 case 6 months postsurgery with no full thickness recurrence. Conclusions: LSR is an efficient technique in well-selected children of recurrent RP and could reverse this underlying pathology. Longer follow-up and evidence are needed to standardize the technique.