ASSESSMENT OF NOTARAS POSTERIOR MESH RECTOPEXY IN TREATMENT OF RECTAL PROLAPSE: A TEN YEAR EXPERIENCE

Background: The aim of this study is to evaluate the long and short term postoperative results after the Notaras procedure as a surgical treatment of rectal prolapse in adults. Methods: Thirty-one patients suffering from rectal prolapse who we repeated with Notaras posterior mesh rectopexy in Shohada-e-Tajrish hospital between 1991- 2000 were followed up for results and complications and the results were compared with other surgical techniques for this disease. Results: The mortality rate was zero which was ideal in comparison with other studies; short term complications were seen in 20% of cases which had the same prevalence as other abdominal surgeries. Sexual impotence and retrograde ejaculation as long term complications were seen in only one patient (3.22%). The recurrence rate was zero which stands above nearly all other procedures, also we had recuperation of fecal incontinence in all of our cases and gas incontinence in 92% of them. The constipation rate has not increased significantly postoperatively (p=0.8). Conclusion: The Notaras procedure can be used in the management of rectal prolapse with low mortality and recurrence rate but although not contraindicated, may not be appropriate for young and sexually active male patients.