[Status of the Delorme operation in surgery of rectal prolapse].

The surgical treatment of complete rectal prolapse has been the object of great controversy. Currently, it is believed that best results are obtained by transabdominal rectopexy. Even though these operations have low morbidity and mortality, a laparotomy may not be advisable for certain elderly or poor-risk patients. An alternative would then be the Delorme operation. The principle consists of an extensive perineal excision of the mucosa covering the prolapse, and a longitudinal plication of the rectal wall. From January 1988 to March 1989, 12 patients underwent the Delorme repair of rectal prolapse in our service with good results.