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

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.

Automated summary

The study showed that LVR surgery for RAI and/or rectocele has long-term improvement in function and QOL, with satisfactory sustainability of postoperative symptom improvement, especially in fecal incontinence.