Physiological changes after Delorme's procedure for full-thickness rectal prolapse

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Abstract
Anal sphincter pressures, rectal compliance and sensation in 19 women of mean age 77 (range 57–94) years were studied before and after Delorme's procedure for full-thickness rectal prolapse. No patient had significant problems with defaecation after operation. There were no significant changes in anal sphincter pressures but the volume of first rectal sensation decreased from a median of 140 ml before surgery to 65 ml after the procedure (P = 0·01) and the maximum tolerated rectal volume declined from a median of 249 ml to 120 ml (P = 0·001). Rectal compliance was reduced from a median of 142.9 ml/kPa to 12.2 ml/kPa (P = 0·002). Improved rectal sensation and lowered compliance are associated with a reduced incidence of defaecatory problems after Delorme's procedure.