Comparison of polyglycolic acid and polypropylene mesh for rectopexy in the treatment of rectal prolapse

Abstract

Objective: To compare the efficacy of absorbable and non-absorbable mesh for rectal fixation in abdominal rectopexy.

Design: Prospective open study.

Setting: University hospital, Israel.

Subjects: 37 consecutive patients with complete rectal prolapse.

Interventions: Posterior abdominal rectopexy with non-absorbable mesh (Polypropylene, Prolene, Ethicon Ltd) in 17 patients and with absorbable mesh (Polyglycolic acid, Dexon, Davis & Geck) in 20.

Main outcome measures: There was no operative mortality, and there were no significant differences between the groups in the incidence of postoperative complications. Mean (SD) follow up was 3.6(0.5) years and 3.8(0.7) years in the Dexon and Prolene groups, respectively. Preoperative and postoperative performance indices based on the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index were similar in both groups.

Conclusions: Dexon mesh may be as effective as Prolene mesh in the treatment of complete rectal prolapse. A performance index seems to be a useful tool for evaluating the outcome of patients after repair of complete rectal prolapse.