Toward a selection of the most appropriate procedure in the treatment of complete rectal prolapse.

Defecographic evaluation was performed in 30 patients with rectal prolapse to assess the effect of posterior rectopexy on rectal function and to arrive at a selection of the best procedure. Preoperative defecography revealed rectal intussusception in all patients. Postoperative control studies showed adequate rectal fixation to the anterior sacral surface. Intussusception no longer occurred. Rectal stenosis due to the surgical procedure was absent. The described technique of posterior rectopexy eliminates the prolapse mechanism without creating new disorders and is therefore a rational procedure. Advocation of new procedures should also be based on results of colorectal tests that assess the effect of the procedures on rectal function.