Laparoscopic ventral recto(colpo)pexy for rectal prolapse: surgical technique and outcome for 109 patients.

The authors propose a new laparoscopic technique for correction of rectal prolapse. The unique feature of this technique is that it avoids any posterolateral dissection of the rectum. The mesh is sutured to the anterior aspect of the rectum to inhibit intussusception. The technique was applied in 109 consecutive patients to correct total rectal prolapse. Conversion was needed for four patients. No postoperative mortality or major morbidity occurred. Minor morbidity was noted for 7% of the patients, and a recurrence rate of 3.66% was observed. Because this technique limited the dissection and the subsequent risk of autonomic nerve damage, a cure comparable with that resulting from classical mesh rectopexy can be anticipated.