Surgical decision-making for rectal prolapse: one size does not fit all

Durable Approaches to Recurrent Rectal Prolapse Repair May Require Avoidance of Index Procedure

BACKGROUND

Surgical treatment of recurrent rectal prolapse is associated with unique technical challenges, partially determined by the surgical approach used for the index operation. Success rates are variable, and data to determine the best approach in patients with recurring prolapse are lacking.

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to assess current surgical approaches to patients with prior rectal prolapse repairs and to compare short-term outcomes of de novo and redo procedures, including recurrence of rectal prolapse.

DESIGN

Retrospective analysis of a prospective database.

SETTINGS

The Multicenter Pelvic Floor Disorders Consortium Prospective Quality Improvement database. De-identified surgeons at more than 25 sites (81% high volume) self-reported patient demographics, prior repairs, symptoms of incontinence and obstructed defecation, and operative details, including history of concomitant repairs and prior prolapse repairs.

PATIENTS

Patients who were offered surgery for full thickness rectal prolapse.

INTERVENTIONS

Incidence and type of repair used for prior rectal prolapse surgery were recorded. Primary and secondary outcomes of index and redo operations were calculated. Patients undergoing rectal prolapse re-repair (redo) were compared with patients undergoing first (de novo) rectal prolapse repair. The incidence of rectal prolapse recurrence in de novo and redo operations was quantified.

OUTCOMES

The primary outcome of rectal prolapse recurrence in de novo and redo settings.

RESULTS

Eighty-nine (19.3%) of 461 patients underwent redo rectal prolapse repair. On short-term follow-up, redo patients had prolapse recurrence rates similar to those undergoing de novo repair. However, patients undergoing redo procedures rarely had the same operation as their index procedure.

LIMITATIONS

Self-reported, de-identified data.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that recurrent rectal prolapse surgery is feasible and can offer adequate rates of rectal prolapse durability in the short term but may argue for a change in surgical approach for redo procedures when clinically feasible. See Video Abstract .

LOS ENFOQUES DURADEROS PARA LA REPARACIN DEL PROLAPSO RECTAL RECURRENTE PUEDEN REQUERIR EVITAR EL PROCEDIMIENTO NDICE

ANTECEDENTES:El tratamiento quirúrgico del prolapso rectal recurrente se asocia con desafíos técnicos únicos, determinados en parte por el abordaje quirúrgico utilizado para la operación inicial. Las tasas de éxito son variables y faltan datos para determinar el mejor abordaje en pacientes con prolapso recurrente.OBJETIVO:Evaluar los enfoques quirúrgicos actuales para pacientes con reparaciones previas de prolapso rectal y comparar los resultados a corto plazo de los procedimientos de novo y rehacer, incluida la recurrencia del prolapso rectal.DISEÑO:Análisis retrospectivo de una base de datos prospectiva.AJUSTE:Base de datos de mejora prospectiva de la calidad del Consorcio multicéntrico de trastornos del suelo pélvico. Cirujanos no identificados en más de 25 sitios (81% de alto volumen) informaron datos demográficos de los pacientes, reparaciones previas, síntomas de incontinencia y defecación obstruida y detalles operativos, incluido el historial de reparaciones concomitantes y reparaciones previas de prolapso.INTERVENCIONES:Se registro la incidencia y el tipo de reparación utilizada para la cirugía de prolapso rectal previa. Se calcularon los resultados primarios y secundarios de las operaciones de índice y reoperacion. Se compararon los pacientes sometidos a una nueva reparación (reoperacion) de prolapso rectal con pacientes sometidos a una primera reparación (de novo) de prolapso rectal. Se cuantificó la incidencia de recurrencia del prolapso rectal en operaciones de novo y rehacer.RESULTADOS:El resultado primario de recurrencia del prolapso rectal en entornos de novo y redo. Ochenta y nueve (19,3%) de 461 pacientes se sometieron a una nueva reparación del prolapso rectal. En el seguimiento a corto plazo, los pacientes reoperados tuvieron tasas de recurrencia de prolapso similares a los de los sometidos a reparación de novo. Sin embargo, los pacientes sometidos a procedimientos de rehacer rara vez tuvieron la misma operación que su procedimiento índice.LIMITACIONES:Datos no identificados y autoinformados.CONCLUSIONES/DISCUSIÓN:Nuestros resultados sugieren que la cirugía de prolapso rectal recurrente es factible y puede ofrecer tasas adecuadas de durabilidad del prolapso rectal en el corto plazo, pero puede abogar por un cambio en el enfoque quirúrgico para rehacer los procedimientos cuando sea clínicamente factible. (Traducción-Dr. Mauricio Santamaria ).

Laparoscopic resection rectopexy (RRP) combined with mesh sacrocolpopexy (SCP) for obstructed defecation syndrome with pelvic organ prolapse in an interdisciplinary approach

Background

Obstructive defecation syndrome (ODS) is frequently associated with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and compromises the quality of life in affected patients. In cases conservative treatment fails surgical therapy is required.

Objectives

The video case study combines a laparoscopic resection rectopexy (RRP) with a mesh sacrocolpopexy (SCP) in an interdisciplinary surgical approach.

Materials and Methods

In this video an 86-year-old woman with ODS and POP, suffering from a dolichocolon with rectal intussusception, an apical prolapse after total hysterectomy 1990, and occasional stress urinary incontinence underwent interdisciplinary laparoscopic surgery. A tubular anterior rectal and sigmoid resection with suture rectopexy as in a resection rectopexy (RRP) was combined with a sacrocolpopexy (SCP) using a synthetic mesh.

Main outcome measures

Surgical outcome including postoperative morbidity, functional bowel evacuation, and POP reconstitution as in POP-Q score after surgery were documented.

Results

No intra- or postoperative complications occurred. At 6 months follow-up clinical outcomes for ODS, bowel dysfunction, and faecal control were improved. Anatomical outcome for POP and stress urinary incontinence symptoms were corrected.

Conclusions

We report a promising interdisciplinary surgical approach as a single treatment option for the complex medical condition of women suffering from ODS and POP combining laparoscopic RRP with SCP. This surgical approach proved to be feasible, safe, and effective.

Does Concomitant Pelvic Organ Prolapse Repair at the Time of Rectopexy Impact Rectal Prolapse Recurrence Rates? A Retrospective Review of the Prospectively Collected Pelvic Floor Disorders Consortium Quality Improvement Database Pilot

BACKGROUND

Pelvic organ prolapse is reported in 30% of women presenting with rectal prolapse. Combined repair is a viable option to avoid the need for future pelvic floor interventions. However, the added impact of adding a modicum of middle compartment suspension by closing the pouch of Douglas during a rectal prolapse repair has not been studied.

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to assess the impact of middle compartment suspension on the durability of rectal prolapse repair. We also aimed to determine whether adding some form of pouch of Douglas closure to achieve middle compartment suspension leads to any improvements in the rates or severity of postoperative constipation or in the rates or severity of postoperative fecal incontinence.

DESIGN

This study was a retrospective analysis of a multicenter prospective database.

SETTING

Data were analyzed from the Pelvic Floor Disorders Consortium Quality Improvement in Rectal Prolapse Surgery database. Deidentified surgeons at more than 20 sites (75% academic, 81% high volume) self-reported patient demographics, previous repairs, symptoms of fecal incontinence and obstructed defecation, and operative details, including addition of concomitant gynecologic repairs, use of mesh, posterior or ventral dissection, and sigmoidectomy.

PATIENTS

Patients were included who underwent abdominal repair for rectal prolapse.

INTERVENTIONS

Abdominal rectopexy procedures with and without middle compartment suspension were compared. Middle compartment suspension was defined as excision and closure of the pouch of Douglas with some degree of colpopexy or culdoplasty.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome of prolapse recurrence and secondary outcomes of incontinence and constipation were calculated via univariate and multivariable regression by comparing those who underwent rectopexy with and without middle compartment suspension.

RESULTS

Of the 198 patients (98% female, age 60.2 ± 15.6 years) who underwent abdominal repairs (59% robotic), 138 patients (70%) underwent some concomitant middle compartment suspension. Patients who had an added middle compartment suspension seemed to have lower early rectal prolapse recurrences. On multivariable regression to control for age, previous repairs, and the use of mesh, addition of some form of pouch of Douglas repair was associated with a decrease in short-term recurrences.

LIMITATIONS

Our data need to be interpreted cautiously. Future studies are critically needed to further explore this observation, with an a priori, prospective definition of middle compartment suspension, validated measurement of concomitant pathology, and longer follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that some middle compartment suspension at the time of rectal prolapse repair may improve short-term durability of rectal prolapse repair. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/C30 .

LA REPARACIN CONCOMITANTE DEL PROLAPSO DE RGANOS PLVICOS EN EL MOMENTO DE LA RECTOPEXIA AFECTA LAS TASAS DE RECURRENCIA DEL PROLAPSO RECTAL UNA REVISIN RETROSPECTIVA DE UNA BASE DE DATOS RECOPILADA PROSPECTIVAMENTE DEL CONSORCIO SOBRE LA MEJORA DE LA CALIDAD DE TRASTORNOS DEL PISO PLVICO

ANTECEDENTES:El prolapso de órganos pélvicos se informa en el 30 % de las mujeres que presentan prolapso rectal y la reparación combinada es una opción viable para evitar la necesidad de futuras intervenciones del suelo pélvico. Sin embargo, no se ha estudiado el impacto adicional de agregar un mínimo de suspensión del compartimento medio cerrando el fonde de saco de Douglas durante una reparación de prolapso rectal.OBJETIVO:Nuestro objetivo fue evaluar el impacto de la suspensión del compartimento medio con respecto a la durabilidad de la reparación del prolapso rectal. Quisimos de igual manera determinar si el agregado de algún tipo de cierre del fondo de saco de Douglas para lograr la suspensión del compartimento medio conduce a alguna mejora en las tasas o la gravedad del estreñimiento posoperatorio así como en las tasas o la gravedad de la incontinencia fecal posoperatoria.DISEÑO:Análisis retrospectivo de una base de datos prospectiva.ESCENARIO:Base de datos Multicenter Pelvic Floor Disorders Consortium Prospective Quality Improvement. Cirujanos no identificados en >20 sitios (75% académicos, 81% de alto volumen) datos demográficos de pacientes auto informados, reparaciones previas, síntomas de incontinencia fecal y defecación obstruida, y detalles quirúrgicos, incluida la suma de reparaciones ginecológicas concomitantes, uso de malla, disección anterior o posterior y sigmoidectomía.INTERVENCIONES:Se compararon los procedimientos de rectopexia abdominal con y sin suspensión del compartimento medio). La suspensión del compartimento medio se definió como la escisión y cierre del fondo de saco de Douglas con algún grado de colpopexia o culdoplastia.RESULTADOS:El resultado principal de la recurrencia del prolapso y los resultados secundarios de incontinencia y estreñimiento se calcularon mediante regresión uni y multivariable al comparar los que fueron sometidos a rectopexia con y sin suspensión del compartimento medio.PACIENTES:Pacientes sometidos a reparación abdominal por prolapso rectal.RESULTADOS:De los 198 pacientes (98% mujeres, edad 60,2 ± 15,6 años) sometidas a reparaciones abdominales (59% robótica), 138 (70%) fueron sometidas igualmente y de manera concomitante a alguna suspensión del compartimento medio. Los pacientes a los que se les añadió una suspensión del compartimento medio parecían tener menores recurrencias tempranas del prolapso rectal y, en la regresión multivariable para controlar la edad, las reparaciones previas y el uso de malla, la adición de alguna forma de reparación del fondo de saco de Douglas se asoció con una disminución de las recurrencias a corto plazo.LIMITACIONES:Nuestros datos deben interpretarse con cautela. Se necesitan de manera critica, estudios futuros para explorar más a fondo esta observación, con una definición prospectiva a priori de la suspensión del compartimento medio, una medición validada de la patología concomitante y un seguimiento más prolongado.CONCLUSIONES:Nuestros resultados sugieren que alguna suspensión del compartimento medio en el momento de la reparación del prolapso rectal puede mejorar la durabilidad a corto plazo de la reparación del prolapso rectal. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/C30 . (Traducción-Dr. Osvaldo Gauto ).

Approaching Combined Rectal and Vaginal Prolapse

Combined rectal prolapse and pelvic organ prolapse surgery provides significant quality-of-life benefits with improvements in bothersome symptoms of pain, bulge, constipation, urinary retention, as well as bowel and bladder incontinence. Robotic surgery is the ideal tool for a combined surgical repair. It allows enhanced suturing in the deep pelvis, three-dimensional (3D) visualization of the presacral space and easy mobilization of the rectum and dissection of the vagina. Combined procedures can be offered to patients with the advantages of a single operation and concurrent recovery period without increasing complications. In this article, we highlight our approach to combined prolapse repair.

OUP accepted manuscript

Background

External rectal prolapse is a relatively rare disease, in which male patients account for a minority. The selection of abdominal repair or perineal repair for male patients has rarely been investigated.

Methods

Fifty-one male patients receiving abdominal repair (laparoscopic ventral rectopexy) or perineal repair (Delorme or Altemeier procedures) at the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University (Guangzhou, China) between March 2013 and September 2019 were retrospectively analysed. We compared the recurrence, complication rate, post-operative defecation disorder, length of stay, and quality of life between the abdominal and perineal groups.

Results

Of the 51 patients, 45 had a complete follow-up, with a median of 48.5 months (range, 22.8–101.8 months). A total of 35 patients were under age 40 years. The complication rate associated with abdominal repair was less than that associated with perineal repair (0% vs 20.7%, P = 0.031) and the recurrence rate was also lower (9.5% vs 41.7%, P = 0.018). Multivariate analysis showed that perineal repair (odds ratio, 9.827; 95% confidence interval, 1.296–74.50; P = 0.027) might be a risk factor for recurrence. Moreover, only perineal repair significantly improved post-operative constipation status (preoperative vs post-operative, 72.4% vs 25.0%, P = 0.001). There was no reported mortality in either of the groups. No patient's sexual function was affected by the surgery.

Conclusions

Both surgical approaches were safe in men. Compared with perineal repair, the complication rate and recurrence rate for abdominal repair were lower. However, perineal repair was better able to correct constipation.

ACG Clinical Guidelines: Management of Benign Anorectal Disorders

Benign anorectal disorders of structure and function are common in clinical practice. These guidelines summarize the preferred approach to the evaluation and management of defecation disorders, proctalgia syndromes, hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and fecal incontinence in adults and represent the official practice recommendations of the American College of Gastroenterology. The scientific evidence for these guidelines was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation process. When the evidence was not appropriate for Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation, we used expert consensus to develop key concept statements. These guidelines should be considered as preferred but are not the only approaches to these conditions.

Does the Length of the Prolapsed Rectum Impact Outcome of Surgical Repair?

BACKGROUND

There are many surgical options for the treatment of rectal prolapse with varying recurrence rates reported. The association between rectal prolapse length and recurrence risk has not been explored previously.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine whether length of prolapse predicts a risk of recurrence.

DESIGN

Consecutive patients from a prospectively collected institutional review board-approved data registry were evaluated.

SETTINGS

The study was conducted at the Cleveland Clinic Department of Colorectal Surgery.

PATIENTS

All patients from 2010 to 2018 who underwent surgical intervention for rectal prolapse were included.

INTERVENTION

Perineal repair with Delorme procedure and Altemeier, as well as abdominal repair with ventral rectopexy, resection rectopexy, and posterior rectopexy, was included.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Prolapse length, recurrence, type of surgery, and primary or secondary procedure were measured.

RESULTS

In total, 280 patients had prolapse surgery over 8 years, mean age was 59 years (SD = 18 y), and 92.4% were female. Seventy percent had a prolapse length documented as <5 cm, and 30% had prolapse length documented as >5 cm. The mean prolapse length was 4.8 cm (SD = 2.9 cm). The overall rate of recurrent prolapse was 18%. There were 51 patients who had a recurrent prolapse after their first prolapse surgery. Factors significant for recurrence on univariate analysis were a perineal approach (p = 0.03), previous Delorme procedure (p < 0.001), and prolapse length >5 cm (p = 0.04). On multivariate analysis there was significantly increased recurrence with length of prolapse >5 cm (OR = 2.2 (95% CI, 1.1-4.4); p = 0.02) and having a previous Delorme procedure (OR = 4.0 (95% CI, 1.6-10.1); p = 0.004). For each 1-cm increase in prolapse, the odds of recurrence increased by a factor of 2.2.

LIMITATIONS

This was a retrospective study of a heterogenous patient cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

The greater the length of prolapsed rectum, the greater the risk of recurrence. The length of prolapse should be considered when planning the most appropriate surgical repair to modify the recurrence risk. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B463. EL TAMAÑO DEL RECTO PROLAPSADO AFECTA EL RESULTADO DE LA REPARACIÓN QUIRÚRGICA?: Existen muchas opciones quirúrgicas para el tratamiento del prolapso de recto con diferentes tasas de recurrencia publicadas. La asociación entre el tamaño del prolapso rectal y el riesgo de recurrencia no se han explorado previamente.Determinar si el largo en el tamaño del prolapso predice un riesgo de recidiva.Se evaluaron pacientes consecutivos de un registro de datos aprobado por el IRB recopilado prospectivamente.Departamento de cirugía colorrectal de la Clínica Cleveland, en Ohio.Todos aquellos pacientes que entre 2010 y 2018 se sometieron a una intervención quirúrgica por prolapso completo de recto.La reparación perineal incluyó los procedimientos de Altemeier y Delorme. Las reparaciones abdominales incluidas fueron la rectopexia ventral, la rectopexia con resección y la rectopexia posterior.Tamaño del prolapso, recurrencia, tipo de intervención quirúrgica y tipo de procedimiento (primario o secundario).En total, 280 pacientes se sometieron a cirugía de prolapso rectal durante 8 años, la edad media fue de 59 años (DE 18) donde el 92,4% eran mujeres. El 70% tenían un tamaño de prolapso documentado como < 5 cm y 30% tenían un tamaño de prolapso documentada como > 5 cm. La longitud media del prolapso fue de 4,8 cm (DE 2,9).La tasa general de recidiva del prolapso fue de 18%. Hubo 51 pacientes que presentaron recidiva del prolapso después de una primera cirugía. Los factores significativos para la recidiva en el análisis univariado fueron el abordaje perineal (p = 0.03), un procedimiento de Delorme previo (p <0.001) y el tamaño del prolapso > 5 cm (p = 0.04). En el análisis multivariado, hubo un aumento significativo de la recidiva en aquellos prolapsos de > 5 cm (OR 2,2; IC del 95%: 1,09-4,4; p = 0,02) con un procedimiento de Delorme previo (OR 4; IC del 95%: 1,6 a 10,1; p = 0,004). Por cada centímetro de tamaño del prolapso, las probabilidades de recidiva aumentaron en un factor de 2,2.Estudio retrospectivo de una cohorte de pacientes heterogénea.Cuanto mayor es el tamaño del recto prolapsado, mayor es el riesgo de recidiva. Se debe evaluar muy cuidadosamente el tamaño de los prolapsos para escoger la corrección quirúrgica más apropiada y así disminuir el riesgo de recidivas.Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B463. (Traducción-Dr Xavier Delgadillo).

Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery: An Alternative Perineal Approach to Treat Rectal Prolapse: A Video Vignette

PURPOSE

Laparoscopic ventral rectopexy is the most favored surgical treatment for rectal prolapse. Perineal approaches are recommended for frail patients and those with major comorbidities, and in young men to avoid genitourinary disorders. There are very few descriptions in the literature of transanal endoscopic surgery to treat complete rectal prolapse. The aim of this article is to describe our experience with this technique.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients undergoing transanal endoscopic surgery for rectal prolapse repair between 2010 and 2019 were recruited for the study. Preoperative, surgical, and postoperative variables were recorded. Surgical technique, 30-day morbidity and follow-up are described.

RESULTS

Five patients have been included. The postoperative period was uneventful and all patients were discharged in 48 hours without complications. All showed improved symptoms at 1-year control, and none presented recurrence in a mean follow-up period of 6 years.

CONCLUSIONS

The transanal endoscopic procedure allows improved endoscopic vision, and the reconstruction is performed transpelvically by fixing the anastomosis suture to the pelvic wall to prevent recurrence. Therefore, we think it is a valid alternative to other perineal procedures in patients in whom abdominal surgery is contraindicated.

A Collaborative Approach to Multicompartment Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Multicompartment pelvic organ prolapse is common yet frequently underreported and unrecognized. Although not life-threatening, the impact on quality of life and daily functioning can be significant. Multidisciplinary evaluation and treatment with specialists in colorectal and female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery (FPMRS) help to identify patients who will benefit from surgical treatment of vaginal and rectal prolapse. Both abdominal and perineal combined procedures can be offered to patients with a single operation and concurrent recovery period without increasing complications.