TYPES OF RECTAL PROLAPSE

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Flora Lawson
5 years ago
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RECTAL PROLPASE Rectal prolapse describes a condition where either the lining or entire wall of the rectum becomes loose and falls into, or even out of, the rectum through the anus.

1 RECTAL PROLPASE Rectal prolapse describes a condition where either the lining or entire wall of the rectum becomes loose and falls into, or even out of, the rectum through the anus. TYPES OF RECTAL PROLAPSE There are two types of rectal prolapse: 1. Partial thickness prolapse (also called internal intussusception) and 2. Full-thickness prolapse (also called external prolapse). Figure 1. Partial-thickness and Full-thickness rectal prolapse. 1. PARTIAL-THICKNESS RECTAL PROLAPSE Partial thickness rectal prolapse, is where the lining of the rectum (mucosa) becomes loose and falls downs into the lumen of the anal canal when straining. Because it is not full thickness, it rarely prolapses enough to protrude through the anus. Partial thickness prolapse may cause some degree of blockage in the rectum when straining (obstructive defecation), and may be a contributing factor to constipation. It can also lead to a feeling of incomplete evacuation. 2. FULL-THICKNESS RECTAL PROLAPSE Full thickness rectal prolapse is where the entire wall of the rectum becomes so loose that on straining it telescopes on itself to such an extent that it falls out being visible external to the anus. Full thickness rectal prolapse is often mistaken for a haemorrhoid, as bleeding and mucous discharge are common symptoms. CAUSE Rectal prolapse is caused by weakening of the muscular pelvic floor and ligaments that support the rectum keeping it in place. Rectal prolapse may be associated with advanced age, weight loss, long term constipation, long term straining during defecation, previous pregnancy or obstetric trauma and multiple childbirths. Frequently in women rectal prolpase is also associated with a rectocele. which is a weakness in the rectal wall where it balloons into the vagina. SYMPTOMS The commonest symptom of rectal prolapse is mucous discharge from the anus or occasional bleeding. The prolapse may be noticed as bulging mucosa typically on straining. Rectal prolapse may give the sensation of constipation (obstructive defecation) or incomplete emptying when having a bowel motion. INVESTIGATION Full thickness prolapse is clearly evident with bearing down with eversion of the rectum and a protruding bulge. Therefore this diagnosis is made clinically. Partial thickness (mucosal) prolapse can sometimes also be severe enough to result in prolapsing mucosa that bulges and is visible external to the anal sphincter on

2 straining (Figure 1a). More typically however, it is less obvious, and is visible on defecating proctogram, a real time x-ray taken while defecating. Rectal prolapse may also be more obvious in the relaxed state, such as under general anaesthesia. COLONOSCOPY All patients with rectal prolapse and symptoms of constipation or incomplete evacuation, require a complete colonoscopy to rule out other pathology of the colon that can result in these symptoms. DEFECATING PROCTOGRAPHY Defecating proctography is useful for documenting partial thickness rectal prolapse causing obstructive defecation. Youtube link 1: Defecating Proctography TRANSIT STUDIES Those with constipation as the major feature without obvious full-thickness external prolapse, should have transit studies to exclude slow transit constipation prior to surgery. PREVENTION There is little that can be done to prevent rectal prolapse. Any procedure or condition that weakens the pelvic floor (e.g. childbirth or obstetric trauma), increases the risk of rectal prolapse later in life. COURSE Mild rectal prolapse, may progress and become more advanced with time. Partial thickness prolapse can in some cases progress to full thickness prolapse. Typically prolapse occurs during straining when having a bowel movement, or when sneezing or coughing. As it develops, it occurs more frequently, even throughout daily activities such as walking. Finally it may be prolapsed continually, and in the worse form, ceases to retract being irreducible. MEDICAL MANAGEMENT The constipating effects of partial thickness rectal prolapse may be treated by a diet high in fibre and regular laxatives. This leeds to less firm stools and the avoidance of straining. A sanitary pad is often required to deal with the mucous discharge and bleeding. SURGICAL MANAGEMENT The alternative is surgery. Surgery is generally of two types: 1. Perineal surgery and 2. Abdominal surgery. 1. PERINEAL SURGERY Perineal surgery is where the surgery is performed on the rectum approached from the anus. It does not involve major abdominal surgery, and is particularly suited in the elderly and those with multiple medical

3 conditions that would make abdominal surgery unsafe. Perineal procedures include those that deal only with partial thickness prolapse (STARR procedure, or stapled mucopexy), and those that deal with full thickness rectal prolapse (Delorme s and Altimeier s procedure) STARR Procedure (stapled mucopexy) The STARR procedure is a stapled mucopexy suitable for partial thickness mucosal prolapse with an anterior rectocele. It is a repair where a circular staple removes a cuff of prolapsing mucosa. It has the benefit of being relatively painless, with no external incisions. Figure 2. The STARR procedure (stapled mucopexy) using a circular stapler to remove mucosal prolapse and rectocele. Delorme s Procedure The Delorme s procedure is where the redundant mucosa is excised, and re-joined after plication of the underlying muscle wall of the rectum. This plication helps serve as extra bulk to the anal sphincter, and is thought to improve incontinence. It main disadvantage is a high recurrence rate of up to 30%. Altimeier s Procedure An Altimeier s procedure, is also a perineal procedure, where there is full thickness excision of the portion of rectum that is prolapsed, and the two ends are sewn together. This is more suitable than Delorme s, when the prolapse is excessive or non-reducible, or where the patient also has constipation. It has a lower recurrence rate than the Delorme s procedure, but requires a bowel resection, and therefore carries a risk of 1-2% of a leak at the join (anastomosis). These perineal procedures all have the benefit of being quick operations performed via the perineum (i.e. directly operating on the anus without the need for an abdominal approach). These may be a safe option, particularly for the older frail patient, but have a higher recurrence rate than abdominal procedures. 2. ABDOMINAL SURGERY Abdominal surgery involves mobilising the rectum, and suspending it, usually with mesh, to the bony prominence (sacral promontory) of the pelvis. Abdominal surgery for rectal prolapse is increasing being

4 performed key hole (laparoscopic or robotically) with benefits of small incisions and less pain than traditional open surgery. Patients with rectal prolapse without constipation as a major feature will benefit from a mesh rectopexy. Patients with rectal prolapse with constipation as a major feature may benefit from a slow transit study to rule out slow transit constipation. For those with constipation, resection rectopexy, where a portion of the redundant bowel is removed, may be preferable to mesh rectopexy, although the added risk of 1-2% of anastomotic leak is the major down-side of resection rectopexy. Ventral Mesh Rectopexy Ventral Mesh Rectopexy is a procedure involving the suspension and fixation of the front of the rectum and pelvic floor to the bony sacral promontory with a bio-dissolvable mesh. In this technique, the nerves to the rectum that enter from the back and side are preserved with mobilisation only from the front of the rectum. The preservation of these nerves is thought to improve rectal function and emptying, and reduce the risk of hind gut neuropathy and resultant constipation. Preservation of these nerves also prevents disorders of sexual function and fertility. There is no evidence that recurrence rates are higher with bio-dissolvable mesh compared with permanent mesh. The bio-dissolvable mesh also avoids the long-term complications of mesh infection and erosion reported with permanent mesh. Figure 3. Robotic Ventral Rectopexy for Rectal Prolapse and Obstructive Defecation. Robotic versus Laparoscopic Surgery Robotic ventral mesh rectopexy with the davinci platform is gaining increasing popularity and beginning to replace laparoscopic surgery due to the increased ease with which suturing is able to be performed using the robot within the narrow confines of the bony pelvis. This is largely due to the ability of the articulating miniature robotic arms to perform complex fine-motor movements within a confined space. The extra third arm also allows for excellent retraction within the narrow pelvis, and the three dimensional magnified view allows for visualization and preservation of the pre-sacral nerves preventing hind gut, sexual and fertility dysfunction.

This has the advantage of smaller cuts and less pain and early discharge and return to normal activities.

5 Figure 4. Miniature robotic arm inserted through a tiny 8mm opening The latest Xi da Vinci robot, has narrow instruments and a camera less than 8mm in width, allowing all ports to be less than 8mm in size. This has the advantage of smaller cuts and less pain and early discharge and return to normal activities. The ability of the camera to fit through any of the 8mm ports (a features not present with earlier da Vinci models) also allows for greater freedom and interchange of instruments when required, making multi-quadrant surgery much easier. Figure 5. Incisions of open versus robotic ventral rectopexy The 8mm incisions with the xi da Vinci model are usually five in number as shown above, with one for the camera, three for robotic instruments, and one for the surgical assistant to assist with the passing of sutures, equipment as required. WHAT TO EXPECT PRIOR TO SURGERY FOR RECTAL PROLAPSE. Clear Fluids You will need to have only clear fluids the day before your surgery. Clear liquids are those that one can see through. When a clear liquid is in a container such as a bowl or glass, the container is visible through the substance. Examples of clear fluids include water, broth, apple juice, jelly, sports drinks such as Gatorade, Lucozade and Gastrolyte. Try to drink at least 3-4 litres the day prior to your surgery. Bowel Preparation You will also require bowel prep to clean your colon. Take a Pico-sulfate (Picolax ) sachet (mixed in

6 a glass of water) at 2pm, 4pm and 6pm the day before your procedure. If you are prone to constipation, the 4pm Picolax is replaced with a sachet of Glycoprep (mixed to a litre with water). You can purchase these from your chemist without needing a prescription. Nil By Mouth You need to be nil by mouth (i.e. no liquids) from midnight the night before if your surgery is scheduled for the morning, or from 6am if scheduled for the afternoon. Admission Time The exact time for your admission is finalised the day prior and you will receive a phone call in the morning at about 10am to inform you what time to present. This is normally 2 hours prior to the planned start time. WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER SURGERY FOR RECTAL PROLAPSE: Diet Immediately after your procedure you will be commenced on free fluids (semi thickened fluids such as custard, yoghurt, thin porridge). Once you have passed flatus, and any nausea has settled you will be commenced on a light diet. Pain Relief You will be given a Patient Controlled Analgesia (PCA) device to administer your own pain relief for the first 24 hours, then this will be replaced with oral pain killers (usually paracetamol, and a nonsteroidal such as Celcoxib or Nurofen, and if needed oral oxycodone (oxycontin ). Laxatives You will be on regular laxatives (Movicol ) from day 1, and should remain on this for 6 weeks. The dosage is individualised, with huge variation between patients. The usual starting dose is one Movicol twice daily. This can be halved or doubled or quadrupled depending on the response. The aim is soft stool to avoid straining. Exercise Walking is encouraged from day one, as this improves your recovery and prevents against developing a venous clot and pneumonia. Gentle swimming or corss-trainer or cycling can occur after 48 hours. No vigorous running, jumping or exercises are recommended for 6 weeks after surgery. Dressings Water proof Comfeel dressings will cover each of your 8mm incisions, and can be removed 7 days after surgery and simply left open. Discharge Home You will be discharged from hospital once you have opened your bowels and are tolerating a normal diet. This can range from 3 days to a week. Regular medications If not already done so, you are to go back on all your regular medications on discharge. Follow-Up Please ring to organise a follow-up appointment with your surgeon at 2-6 weeks after your procedure.

Robotic Ventral Rectopexy

Robotic Ventral Rectopexy What is a robotic ventral rectopexy? The term rectopexy refers to an operation in which the rectum (the part of the bowel nearest the anus) is put back into its normal position