Lahaut's operation for rectal prolapse.

Thirty-four patients with complete rectal prolapse were treated by Lahaut's operation in which the mobilised rectosigmoid was implanted in the posterior rectus sheath. There were no prolapse recurrences, but one patient died postoperatively. Of the 12 patients with incontinence, 11 were improved by the procedure. Lahaut's operation is a simple and effective procedure which avoids the potential problems associated with a surgical implant of Ivalon or Teflon.