Reoperative surgery for recurrent rectal prolapse

Up to 30% of patients who underwent surgical treatment for rectal prolapse will experience a recurrence. The presentation and evaluation of recurrent rectal prolapse is similar to that of primary rectal prolapse. The options for surgical treatment are the same as those for primary disease, and similarly, there is no widely accepted gold standard. Several factors are considered when choosing an approach, such as the patient׳s previous surgical history, age, functional status, and comorbid pelvic floor disorders such as fecal incontinence and constipation. Abdominal and perineal approaches have been described. The ideal procedure for each patient is that which has the longest durability and best functional outcome while minimizing surgical morbidity. Future prospective studies that critically evaluate outcomes are needed to guide procedure choice.