Transsacral repair of rectal prolapse.

Whatever the basic pathogenesis of rectal prolapse, the structural alterations invariably include a defect in the pelvic floor fascia, a deep pouch anterior to the rectum, a patulous anus, loose fixation of the rectum to the pelvic structures, and a long sigmoid colon. A variety of corrective procedures have been described for rectal prolapse, but all suffer from various disadvantages. The transsacral approach to the rectum has several advantages: (1) it is simple and safe even for the elderly, (2) it avoids an abdominal incision with its concomitant postoperative complications, (3) it will allow complete correction of all abnormalities, and (4) it has been performed with a low recurrence rate.