Mesh Anoplasty- An Unique Approach to Rectal Prolapse

Abstract

BACKGROUNDRectal prolapses are not life-threatening; however, the bleeding and faecal incontinence associated with them significantly erode quality of life and can cause concern among patients, caregivers in nursing homes. Many procedures have been reported that repair of rectal prolapses and the procedure used depends on the severity of the prolapsed [1] ; however, the treatments are yet to be established. Here, we report a simple and safe procedure to repair rectal prolapse perineally using non-absorbable polypropylene mesh for anoplasty. We performed this procedure on 10 patients. All patients were followed up for over 3 years and none had any recurrences of their rectal prolapses. No complications occurred during the operations and postoperative periods. Most patients who have prolapses are elderly and fragile, so the treatment must be easy, safe and rapid. While rectal prolapse is not life-threatening, the goal of treatment is to alleviate its symptoms. The procedure we describe is consistent with this concept. We suggest that this procedure, which uses non-absorbable polypropylene mesh, might be a better option for the treatment of complete rectal prolapse. We will continue to surgically correct complete rectal prolapses and investigate the long-term outcomes of the procedure.