Whole gut transit is prolonged after Ripstein rectopexy.

OBJECTIVE

To find out if there are changes in transit time after Ripstein rectopexy and whether measurement of whole gut transit time preoperatively can predict postoperative constipation.

DESIGN

Prospective open study.

SETTING

Teaching hospital, Sweden.

SUBJECTS: 30 patients undergoing Ripstein rectopexy for rectal prolapse (n = 17) or internal rectal intussusception (n = 13).

METHODS

Whole-gut transit studies and recording of symptoms of constipation preoperatively and postoperatively.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Constipation and retention of markers.

RESULTS

Significantly more markers were retained in postoperative compared with preoperative transit studies (p < 0.001). Constipation mainly presented as emptying difficulties and there was no increase in the total number of patients who reported emptying difficulties postoperatively. There was a weak but significant correlation between retention of markers preoperatively and postoperative emptying difficulties (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Whole gut transit was prolonged after Ripstein rectopexy. Preoperative retention of markers indicated an increased risk of postoperative constipation.