Less is more: Outcomes of surgical approaches to rectal prolapse in patients with cirrhosis

BACKGROUND

Patients with cirrhosis have increased risk of perioperative complications, and surgical management of concomitant rectal prolapse poses a challenge in these patients. Given the paucity of data informing this, our study aimed to evaluate postoperative outcomes.

METHODS

The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried for patients undergoing rectal prolapse repair from 2011 to 2019. Patients were stratified by cirrhosis (Model for End-Stage Liver Disease ≥10) and no cirrhosis. Bivariate and multivariable regression analyses were used to compare comorbidities, repair types, and identify predictors of postoperative outcomes.

RESULTS

We identified 2,234 patients: 332 patients with cirrhosis (Model for End-Stage Liver Disease 14 [10-34]). Patients with cirrhosis were older (76 ± 12 years vs 69 ± 17, P < .001) with increased comorbidities (eg, heart failure, lung disease), greater mortality (3.6% vs 0.8%, P < .001), and complication rates compared with patients without cirrhosis. Readmission rates and longer hospital stays also were observed in patients with cirrhosis. A total of 52% of NCPs underwent abdominal repair compared with 62% of patients with cirrhosis who received perineal repair; greater complication rates were observed for abdominal repairs in both groups (patients without cirrhosis 11.4%, patients with cirrhosis 25%). Predictors of greater complication rates in patients with cirrhosis included abdominal repair (odds ratio 2.7, 95% confidence interval 1.4-5, P = .002) and presence of ascites (odds ratio 4.6, 95% confidence interval 1.1-20, P = .04).

CONCLUSION

Overall, abdominal repairs have greater complication rates even when controlling for Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score and presence of ascites. The Delorme procedure had the lowest complication rates. Additional evidence is needed to recommend a preferred surgical approach to rectal prolapse repair in patients with cirrhosis.

Rectal Prolapse Repair with Abdominal Fixation Under Sedation and Local or Epidural Anesthesia: Prospective Pilot Study in 10 Elderly Subjects

Background: Rectal prolapse (RP) is primarily a disease of the elderly, where treatment may be associated with significant postoperative morbidity including that related to anesthesia. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of a novel abdominal approach to RP repair under sedation and local anesthesia and to assess short- and long-term clinical outcomes in elderly patients (>70 years). Design Settings: This is a prospective pilot study with 10 patients using a novel RP repair. The anesthesia type was local or epidural with sedation. Follow-up was done at 30 days, 12, and 24 months. Patients: Patients were men and women >70 years of age with RP. Main Outcome Measures: (1) Feasibility: successful completion of RP repair using the novel abdominal approach with laparoscopic assistance. (2) Safety: safety was measured by the incidence of the intraoperative complications (bowel perforation, organ injury, and bleeding requiring blood transfusion). (3) Sedation and local anesthesia feasibility: surgery was safely completed without patient intubation. Results: Ten female patients >70 years of age underwent RP repair using the novel abdominal approach. General anesthesia was not required in any of the 10 patients. Two patients recurred within 6 months. One of the patients with recurrence of RP subsequently underwent laparoscopic rectopexy, and the other was minimal and required no further treatment. One mortality occurred at 3 months unrelated to the procedure. No other anesthetic or surgical intraoperative and postoperative complications were observed. Limitations: This is a single-institution pilot study. Conclusions: Abdominal RP repair under sedation and regional anesthesia appears feasible and safe in elderly patients and may, in the future, provide an effective alternative to current treatment options for RP, avoiding general anesthesia. ClinicalTrial.gov registration number: NCT01980043.

Consensus Statement of the Italian Society of Colorectal Surgery (SICCR): management and treatment of complete rectal prolapse

Rectal prolapse, rectal procidentia, "complete" prolapse or "third-degree" prolapse is the full-thickness prolapse of the rectal wall through the anal canal and has a significant impact on quality of life. The incidence of rectal prolapse has been estimated to be approximately 2.5 per 100,000 inhabitants with a clear predominance among elderly women. The aim of this consensus statement was to provide evidence-based data to allow an individualized and appropriate management and treatment of complete rectal prolapse. The strategy used to search for evidence was based on application of electronic sources such as MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane Review Library, CINAHL and EMBASE. The recommendations were defined and graded based on the current levels of evidence and in accordance with the criteria adopted by the American College of Gastroenterology's Chronic Constipation Task Force. Five evidence levels were defined. The recommendations were graded A, B, and C.

Perineal repair of a full-thickness rectal prolapse in a wild Sumatran orangutan (Pongo abelii)

A Delorme's procedure perineal surgical repair was performed in a wild adult male Sumatran orangutan (Pongo abelii) with a chronic persistent rectal prolapse that had been unsuccessfully treated by 6 previous surgeries. The rectal prolapse did not recur, and the orangutan was successfully released to the wild, 6 weeks later.