대한대장항문학회

<b>Purpose:</b> This study was undertaken to eveluate the early results of the laparoscopic suture rectopexy in the treatment of rectal prolapse. <b>Methods:</b> From May 1999 to July 2001, laparoscopic suture rectopexy (LSR) was successfully<br>performed<br>in 26 patients and the results were compared to those of 5 patients with open suture rectopexy (OSR) and 6 patients with open resection rectopexy (ORR). Preoperative and postoperative functional assessment included Wexner's incontinence score,<br>constipation score, and anorectal manometry. <b>Results:</b> Immediate postoperative morbidity was minimal in all groups. Bowel function was resumed significantly sooner (P=0.001), the numbers of the analgesics injection were significantly fewer<br>(P<0.001) and postoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter (P<0.001) in the LSR than in the open groups. Postoperatively, the anal resting and squeezing pressures increased slightly and Wexner's incontinence score decreased significantly<br>in all<br>groups of patients. Constipation score decreased slightly in all groups of patients after surgery. There was one mucosal prolapse recurrence after surgery in the LSR. <b>Conclusions:</b> Laparoscopic suture rectopexy for rectal prolapse can be<br>performed<br>safely. Recovery is uneventful and of shorter duration after the laparoscopic than after the open approach. Functional results are obtained similarly with both approaches.<br>