Prospective multicentre clinical trial of stapled transanal rectal resection for obstructive defaecation syndrome

Background: This prospective multicentre study assessed the safety and effectiveness of stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) for treatment of obstructive defaecation syndrome (ODS). Methods: Between February 2001 and June 2006, 104 patients diagnosed with ODS were treated with STARR. Follow-up was scheduled for 1, 3 and 6 months after surgery, and annually thereafter. Variables related to the patient, surgical technique and outcome were analysed. Results: Mean operating time was 46.7 min. Haemorrhage at the staple line occurred in 55 patients (52.9 per cent). Three patients required surgical revision in the first 48 h owing to persistent bleeding. The median postoperative pain score was 2.4 on a scale from 1 to 10. Mean hospital stay was 2.2 days. The mean constipation score improved from 13.5 before surgery to 5.1 at 1-year follow-up (P = 0.006). Twenty-three patients reported faecal incontinence at 4 weeks after surgery, but only nine still had minor residual incontinence by 1 year. At a median follow-up of 26 (range 12-72) months, ODS had recur-red or persisted radiologically and/or clinically in I I patients. Conclusion: STARR is associated with low morbility and a short hospital stay, and is an effective alternative treatment for ODS.