Outcomes for men undergoing rectal prolapse surgery – a systematic review

Abstract

INTRODUC TI ON BackgroundExternal rectal prolapse (ERP) is defined as a protrusion of all layers of the rectal wall through the anal canal [1]. Factors that may contribute to the development of rectal prolapse include pelvic floor dysfunction, chronic straining, a deep pouch of Douglas and multiparity [1,2]. The condition is estimated to affect 0.5% of the population, with older, multiparous women predominantly affected [3,4].Men account for 10% of the rectal prolapses seen and treated [5][6][7].Rectal prolapse in men is much higher in countries such as Egypt, where it commonly affects younger patients, but the exact mechanism for this is not well known [8][9][10].Surgical management of ERP can be broadly divided into abdominal and perineal approaches [11]. Most of the published literature on rectal prolapse focuses on women, with little guidance on the management of rectal prolapse in men [12]. The perineal approach is often reserved for clinically comorbid and frail patients