A radiological study of the mechanism of rectal prolapse and the results of posterior proctopexy

Twenty-two patients with rectal prolapse were subjected to defaecographic examination to determine the characteristics of the prolapse. Posterior proctopexy was performed in 18, and in 16 of these, follow-up defaecography was carried out 3 months after the operation. There were no recurrences. All the features of the prolapse mechanism revealed by the radiological examination had disappeared. In no case had the fixation led to stenosis. The method applied completely eliminates the prolapse mechanism. Defaecography is indicated in case of doubt whether a prolapse actually involves the entire rectal wall, and when rectal prolapse is difficult to elicit during examination. (Auth.)