Delorme's operation: the first choice in complete rectal prolapse?

The Delorme operation has been used to treat 27 consecutive patients with complete rectal prolapse. The mean age in this group was 74 years and the average length of the prolapse was 12 cms. There was no postoperative mortality or morbidity. The follow-up ranges from 11 months to 64 months (mean 35 months) and so far there have been two recurrences. One of these has been successfully treated by a second Delorme operation. The second patient has declined further surgery. This low recurrence rate combined with the minor nature of the procedure suggests that the Delorme operation should be considered in all patients presenting with complete rectal prolapse.