OBJECTIVETo evaluate the clinical practice of laparoscopic rectopexy in the treatment of severe rectal prolapse.

METHODSFrom March 1998 to February 2007, 4 cases of complete rectal prolapse, including 1 male and 3 female,ranged 21-82 years old, were treated by laparoscopic rectopexy. In one case, the posterior wall of rectum was freed and elevated, and pre-rectal introcession was closed by silk suture, then the posterior wall was suspended and fixed on sacral promontory fascia, finally the sigmoid colon was fixed by sutures on the fascia of left psoas major. In other three cases, insertion of mesh was performed. Rectum was freed and elevated to the level of levalor ani. A sheet of T-shape polypropylene mesh was placed posterior to the rectum, whose lower margin was at the level of levator ani and wrapped around the rectum covering except the anterior wall. The free margin of the mesh was sutured on the muscular layer of rectum, then the mesh was put posterior to the rectum and fixed on the sacral promontory fascia by clipping to repair hernia. After that, the pelvic peritoneum was closed, and finally the sigmoid colon was fixed by sutures on the fascia of left psoas major.

RESULTSFour operation procedures were completed successfully. There was no conversion operation. The time was consumed 92.5 (80-100) min, and the bleeding amount was 6.5 (5-10) ml. No post-operative complications were found. Urine incontinence and encopresis were relieved. No recurrence and constipation was found after 2 months to 3 years follow up postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONLaparoscopic rectopexy is a safe, workable and effective procedure, which can reduce operative trauma and shorten hospitalization time.