OBJECTIVETo evaluate the use of Delorme procedure for full-thickness rectal prolapse.

METHODSA series of 25 patients with full-thickness rectal prolapse were treated by Delorme procedure in four institutions between March 2005 and June 2010. The clinicopathological data were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTSThere were 9 males and 16 females. The mean age was 52(46-72) years old. All the procedures were successfully performed. There were no perioperative deaths. The mean operative time was 65(45-150) min. The intraoperative bleeding was 58(20-200) ml. The mean length of hospital stay was 8.5(5-14) days. Anastomosis dehiscence occurred in 1 patient at post-operative day 7 who was managed under anesthesia. Minor complications occurred in 8(32%) patients, including urinary retention(n=3), intractable pain(n=1), and bowel obstruction(n=4). The follow up time ranged from 2 to 6 years with a median of 3.5 years. Prolapse recurrence was observed in 1(4%) patient during the follow up. The remission rates of fecal incontinence, constipation, bleeding were 37.5%(6/16), 45.5%(5/11), and 15.4%(2/11), respectively. The Wexner incontinence score significantly decreased (median, 5.0 vs. 9.0, P<0.01). The resting pressure and maximum squeeze pressure increased significantly after surgery, while the initial volume and maximal tolerance volume decreased significantly(All P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONSDelorme procedure is safe and easy to perform. The anorectal function is improved after surgery. Therefore it should be considered the procedure of choice for rectal prolapsed.