[Rectal prolapse in adults]

Abstract

The etiology of rectal prolapse is unclear. Diagnosis is easy by local inspection. The ideal surgery would repair the prolapse, correct any functional problems such as incontinence or constipation, be minimally invasive and cost-effective, and result in minimal morbidity and recurrence. The best surgical repair remains controversial-whether by the transanal/perineal or abdominal approach-with or without resection and rectopexy. There are no prospective-randomized studies that convincingly answer the numerous questions. The best possible option today seems to be the abdominal/laparoscopic method with a resection rectopexy according to Frykman and Goldberg.