A modified Thiersch surgical method with polypropylene gauze (Marlex) in rectal prolapse
Stimpel, H.; Pedersen, T.
Ugeskrift for Laeger 150(24): 1471-1473
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0041-5782 PMID: 3388548 Document Number: 323986
During a period of three years, 13 patients with a mean age of 85 years were treated operatively for rectal prolapse with a modified Thiersch operation employing polypropylene gauze (Marlex). The average duration of hospitalization was 48 hours. No infections or other serious complications occurred. One case of recurrence occurred during an average period of observation of nine months. In seven patients the incontinence was relieved while it remained unchanged in the remaining six patients. All of the patients suffered from constipation preoperatively. After operation, constipation persisted but was aggravated in only two patients. All of the patients employed laxatives but were otherwise satisfied with the result. This operative method is recommended for elderly patients in whom transabdominal intervention is contraindicated.