Fecal incontinence and rectal prolapse.

The majority of patients who suffer from full-thickness prolapse can be treated successfully and safely. The small proportion who remain incontinent of feces after correction of prolapse may at a later date be helped by postanal repair. If dietary indiscretion and abnormal patterns of defecation are major etiologic factors in this condition, then measures to improve dietary and defectory habits must be instituted mainly to prevent further problems after the deformity has been cured surgically. There seems no doubt that following rectopexy there is an increased tendency to constipation.