Long-term results of transanal repair of rectocele using linear stapler

PURPOSE: This study was designed to determine the long-term outcomes of transanal rectocele repair using a linear stapler. METHODS: Between 1989 and 1999, 21 patients with symptomatic rectocele were enrolled for this study. Median age at time of presentation was 52 (range, 21-75) years. All patients underwent a transanal repair using a linear stapler. End evaluation to assess long-term results was performed after a median duration of follow-up of 58 (range, 12-118) months. Patients were asked about current problems with constipation, use of laxatives, incontinence, vaginal digitalization, presence of vaginal bulge, pain, bleeding, and sexual dysfunction. RESULTS: The postoperative course was uneventful in all cases. Sixteen (76 percent) patients had symptomatic relief. The operation reduced symptoms of obstructed defecation (21 vs. 5, preoperative vs. postoperative; P < 0.001) and the need of vaginal digitalization (21 vs. 6; P < 0.001). Only three patients (14 percent) showed no sign of improvement. Two patients (9 percent) had temporary improvement for three years before recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Transanal repair of rectocele using a linear stapler is an easy, safe, and useful procedure for the correction of symptomatic rectocele. Successful long-term outcome can be achieved with this procedure.