Is laparoscopic ventral rectopexy a good treatment option for rectal prolapse?

Aim: Laparoscopic ventral rectopexy (LVR) is one of the most commonly performed procedures in the treatment of rectal prolapse (RP). This study aimed to evaluate postoperative changes in the incontinence status and short-term functional outcomes of patients with RP who underwent LVR. Material and Method: This study included 15 patients who underwent LRV with the diagnosis of RP between January 2017 and June 2021 at Health Sciences University Ankara Numune Training and Research Hospital and Ankara City Hospital. Data were obtained by retrospectively examining the electronic records of the patients. The Wexner incontinence score (WIS) was calculated preoperatively and postoperatively by contacting the patients by phone at six months after the operation. In addition, the constipation status of the patients and whether they had recurrence of RP were questioned. Results: The mean age of the 15 patients included in the study was 55 (range, 30-81) years. Twelve (80%) patients were female and three (20%) were male. When the preoperative and postoperative WISs of the patients were compared, the latter was statistically significantly lower than the former (p=0.002). Among the 10 (66.7%) patients who had constipation in the preoperative period, this complaint was resolved in four (40%), but new-onset constipation was detected in two (40%) of the five (33.3%) patients without preoperative constipation. The recurrence of RP was observed in only one (6.7%) patient in the postoperative follow-up. Conclusion: Considering the short-term outcomes in the patients who underwent LRV for RP, it can be concluded that LVR is a good option in this patient group, with a low recurrence rate and satisfactory improvement in incontinence.