Experience with the one-stage perineal repair of rectal prolapse

Abstract

The experience with 27 patients undergoing 33 Altemeier procedures for repair of rectal prolapse is presented. The overall recurrence rate during a 1- to 17-yr follow-up period is 35% (per patient) or 50% (per operation). There was no mortality and only minimal morbidity, although an elderly group of patients (average age 61 yr) with many associated diseases (2.8 diseases/patient) were dealt with. Of 13 patients with successful anatomic repair, 10 described it as a success, 1 developed an anal stricture and 2 patients claimed only partial success, despite a perfect anatomic repair, due to lack of improved continence. The results with the Altemeier procedure for the repair of rectal prolapse are unsatisfactory. However, as the procedure is well tolerated by elderly and sick patients, it should be reserved for those.