Rectal reservoir reduction procedures for internal rectal prolapse.

Forty-four patients presenting with painful outlet constipation had internal rectal intussusception documented by cinedefecography. Rectal reservoir reduction by multiple elastic ligation or staple excision of redundant mucosa effectively improved bowel function and outlet symptoms in the majority of patients. Rectal reduction procedures were performed under intravenous sedation with antibiotic coverage, no postoperative sepsis, and a single case of significant postoperative bleeding. Associated abnormalities on defecography were unaffected.