Rectopexy according to frykman-goldberg technique

Abstract

Rectal prolapse is defined as a full-thickness protrusion of the rectal wall through the anus that is also called procidentia. This disease has plagued human beings throughout history, as it was first described in the Eber papyrus (1500 BC). Hippocrates proposed the first treatment for rectal prolapse by hanging the patient upside down and vigourously shaking him [1]. It is extremely difficult to report the real incidence of this condition, as it has been generally underestimated. The risk factors, as described by Vongsangnak et al. [2], are chronic straining (due to long-standing constipation), prior surgery, neurological and mental illness and ageing. Even if in the past the disease was described as a condition especially affecting young men (as it seems to still be in developing countries), the female to male ratio is now 10:1 [3]. © 2008 Springer-Verlag Italia.