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Laparoscopic low ventral rectocolpopexy (LLVR) for rectal and rectogenital prolapse: surgical technique and functional results

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Abstract

Background

Laparoscopic ventral rectopexy limits the risk of autonomic nerve damage, and the colpopexy allows correction of a concomitant prolapse of the middle compartment. The aim of this study is to describe a modified laparoscopic ventral rectocolpopexy procedure with a low approach to the sacral hollow (laparoscopic low ventral rectocolpopexy: LLVR). We propose this technique to manage combined rectogenital prolapse.

Methods

Between November 2006 and June 2009, all patients with symptomatic rectal prolapse associated with genital prolapse and/or enterocele underwent LLVR. Demographics, results of imaging studies, mortality, morbidity, and functional outcome were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

Thirty patients underwent LLVR: two patients suffered from a full-thickness rectal prolapse while 28 had symptomatic recto-anal intussusception. The mean operating time was 94 ± 39 minutes. Conversion to laparotomy was never needed. Hospital stay ranged between 2 and 14 days (mean of 5 ± 2.5 days). No mortality was recorded and only two complications occurred (6.6 %): one trocar site incisional hernia and one vaginal suture erosion in a patient who had concomitant hysterectomy. After a mean follow-up of 13.9 months, constipation was completely resolved or improved in 92.8 % patients. Significant reduction in the mean Altomare obstructed defecation score (14.7–5.6; p < 0.05) was recorded. Preoperative incontinence improved after the procedure in all patients affected. No new cases of postoperative constipation or fecal incontinence were registered. Only one case of recurrence in a patient with recto-anal intussusception was recorded (3.4 %), after 19 months.

Conclusions

Laparoscopic low ventral rectocolpopexy is safe and associated with very low morbidity. In the medium term, it provides good result for prolapse and associated symptoms.

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Conflict of interest

The authors declare that no conflict of interest exists.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Surgery, Santa Maria dei Battuti Hospital, Via Savorgnano, 2, 33079, San Vito al Tagliamento, PN, Italy

    A. Lauretta, R. E. Bellomo, F. Galanti, C. A. Tonizzo & A. Infantino

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  1. A. Lauretta
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  2. R. E. Bellomo
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  3. F. Galanti
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  4. C. A. Tonizzo
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  5. A. Infantino
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Correspondence to A. Infantino.

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Lauretta, A., Bellomo, R.E., Galanti, F. et al. Laparoscopic low ventral rectocolpopexy (LLVR) for rectal and rectogenital prolapse: surgical technique and functional results. Tech Coloproctol 16, 477–483 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10151-012-0918-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10151-012-0918-2

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