Rectal Prolapse – Perineal

What is a rectal prolapsed – perineal procedure?

A prolapse is the slipping or falling of an organ from its normal position. Surgical repair of a rectal prolapsed (perineal) involves the removal of a segment of the bowel and the muscles tightened with stitches by operating through the anus.

Anaesthetic

This procedure will require an anaesthetic.

What are the risks of this specific procedure?

There are risks and complications with this procedure.
They include but are not limited to the following:

General risks:

• Infection can occur, requiring antibiotics and further treatment.
• Bleeding could occur and may require a return to the operating room. Bleeding is more common if you have been taking blood thinning drugs such as Warfarin, Asprin, Clopidogrel (Plavix or Iscover) or Dipyridamole (Persantin or Asasantin).
• Small areas of the lung can collapse, increasing the risk of chest infection. This may need antibiotics and physiotherapy.
• Increased risk in obese people of wound infection, chest infection, heart and lung complications, and thrombosis.
• Heart attack or stroke could occur due to the strain on the heart.
• Blood clot in the leg (DVT) causing pain and swelling. In rare cases, part of the clot may break off and go to the lungs.
• Death as a result of this procedure is possible.

Specific risks:

• Especially in a male there may be difficulty passing urine and a tube may need to be inserted into the bladder.
• Deep bleeding in the abdominal cavity could occur and this may need fluid replacement or further surgery.
• Damage of the bowel may occur which may cause leakage of bowel fluid. This may need further surgery.
• Infections such as pus collections can occur in the abdominal cavity. This may need surgical drainage.
• The small bowel may be very slow to regain its movement after surgery with a possibility of a swollen abdomen and vomiting.
• A weakness can happen in the wound with the development of a hernia (rupture). Further surgery may be needed to correct this.
• In some people healing of the wound may be abnormal and the wound can be thickened and red and the wound may be painful.
• Adhesions (bands of scar tissue) may form and cause a bowel obstruction. This can be a short term or a long term complication and may need further surgery.
• Constipation after the surgery may be a major problem and may need treatment.
• The muscles at the anus may be weak and may need local surgical treatment.
• The prolapsed may recur.
• Increased risk in smokers of wound and chest infections, heart and lung complications and thrombosis.