Surgery for complete rectal prolapse in adults

Surgery for complete rectal prolapse was performed in 17 women and 3 men between November 1986 and April 1991. An abdominal approach with posterior rectopexy was used in 17. The Thiersch procedure of anal narrowing was performed in 3 high risk patients. All recovered without major complications. Urinary tract infection developed in 15% and postoperative fecal impaction in 10%. Anal continence improved in 70% of those previously incontinent. There was no recurrence of complete rectal prolapse during follow-up. All patients rated the operative results as either good or very good.