Long-term annual functional outcome after laparoscopic ventral rectopexy for rectoanal intussusception and/or rectocele: evaluation of sustained improvement

Tech Coloproctol. 2021 Dec;25(12):1281-1289. doi: 10.1007/s10151-021-02499-4. Epub 2021 Oct 11.

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the long-term annual functional results and quality of life (QOL) after laparoscopic ventral rectopexy (LVR) for rectoanal intussusception (RAI) and/or rectocele.

Methods: This study was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. The study was conducted on patients who underwent LVR for RAI and/or rectocele at our institution between February 2012 and July 2015. The Fecal Incontinence Severity Index (FISI), Constipation Scoring System (CSS), and QOL instruments (i.e., 36-item Short-form Health Survey [SF-36], Patient Assessment of Constipation-QOL [PAC-QOL] scale, and Fecal Incontinence-QOL [FIQL]) were administered before and annually after surgery. The sustainability of substantial symptom improvement (reduction of at least 50% in CSS or FISI scores) postoperatively was evaluated.

Results: Fifty-one patients (median age 76 [range 60-93] years, 48 women [94%]) were analyzed. No mortality or major morbidity occurred. After a median follow-up of 60 months (range 12-84 months), no mesh-related complications occurred. The median CSS and FISI scores were significantly reduced at 1 year and remained significantly reduced for 7 years. In patients who reported symptom scores ≥ 3 times postoperatively, sustained improvement of constipation and fecal incontinence was found in about 50% (18/38) and 75% (26/35) of relevant patients, respectively. All PAC-QOL and FIQL scales significantly improved over time for 5 years. Of the SF-36 scales, four showed significant improvement at 1 year but none was significantly improved after 3 years, except for the social functioning scale.

Conclusions: LVR for RAI and/or rectocele was associated with low morbidity and long-term improvement in symptom-specific QOL. The sustainability of postoperative improvement in fecal incontinence was satisfactory, and that in constipation was fair.

Keywords: Laparoscopic ventral rectopexy; Long-term results; Quality of life; Rectoanal intussusception; Rectocele.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Constipation / etiology
  • Constipation / surgery
  • Fecal Incontinence* / etiology
  • Fecal Incontinence* / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intussusception* / surgery
  • Laparoscopy*
  • Middle Aged
  • Quality of Life
  • Rectal Prolapse* / surgery
  • Rectocele / complications
  • Rectocele / surgery
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Treatment Outcome