Surgical treatment of rectal prolapse: Rectopexy without mesh

Abstract

More than 150 years have elapsed since the first report on full-thickness rectal prolapse (FTRP) surgery appeared in the literature [1]. Yet, no adequately powered randomized trials have been published on surgical treatment of FTRP. The title of this chapter emphasizes how rectopexy can be performed without a mesh rather than affirming that it can be done with sutures. This chapter represents a current opinion on the impact that suture rectopexy may have on the outcomes of care of FTRP; however, the chapter provides no systematic review of the evidence available in the literature. The objective is to present a concise insight on surgical technique, the authors' personal experience, and an overview of the literature dealing with this specific subject. © 2008 Springer-Verlag Italia.