Results of the Ripstein operation in the treatment of rectal prolapse and internal rectal procidentia.

Over 15 years 108 patients with either rectal prolapse or internal rectal procidentia were treated by the Ripstein operation. Postoperative evaluation was possible in 97 patients (mean observation time, 6.9 years). The mortality rate was 2.8 percent, and surgical complications occurred in an additional 3.7 percent. The recurrence rate was 4.1 percent. Preoperative and postoperative functional analysis was possible in 92 patients. The proportion of continent patients increased from 33 percent preoperatively to 72 percent postoperatively. Defecation difficulties increased from 27 percent to 43 percent following surgery, and were a major cause of dissatisfaction.