Long-Term Results after Laparoscopic Assisted Resection Rectopexy for Outlet Obstruction and Concomitant Rectocele

Background: The objective of our prospective trial is to analyse the role of rectocele in surgical therapy of outlet obstruction. Methods: 53 patients (two male, 51 female) after laparoscopic resection rectopexy due to outlet obstruction and the radiological finding of a rectocele are included. Mean age is 59 years (25-81 years) and mean follow-up is 56 months (10-105 months). Outlet obstruction, incontinence, recurrence of rectal prolapse, symptomatic rectocele and local correction of rectocele are standardized acquired. Results: In 43 cases (81.1%) outlet obstruction is eliminated or improved. Incontinence is eliminated or improved in 14 of 17 patients (82.4%). No recurrence of rectal prolapse occurs during follow-up. Local correction of rectocele has been performed in six cases (11.3%). In four cases (7.5%) symptomatic rectocele developed postoperatively. Conclusion: Rectocele is a common finding in presence of outlet obstruction. In most cases it remains asymptomatical as an attendant phenomenon. Only few cases require local correction.