What is Rectopexy ?

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Why do you need Rectopexy?

Rectopexy is indicated for:

  • Full-thickness rectal prolapse: The rectum protrudes externally, often in older women or patients with chronic constipation, straining, or pelvic floor weakness.
  • Internal rectal prolapse (intussusception): The rectum telescopes into itself, causing obstruction or incontinence, if symptomatic.
  • Recurrent prolapse: After failed non-surgical treatments (e.g., dietary changes, pelvic floor exercises).
  • Associated symptoms: Fecal incontinence, constipation, or rectal bleeding due to prolapse.

The procedure aims to restore rectal position, improve bowel function, and reduce symptoms.

Why Do Costs Vary in Philippines?

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Rectopexy Procedure

The procedure is tailored to the patient’s age, prolapse severity, and overall health:

  1. Bedore Surgery Evaluation:
    • Diagnosis:
      • Physical exam confirms prolapse, often visible during straining.
      • Defecography (X-ray during defecation) or MRI assesses prolapse extent and pelvic floor dysfunction.
      • Anorectal manometry evaluates sphincter function, especially if incontinence is present.
    • Blood tests ensure surgical fitness; patients with comorbidities (e.g., diabetes) may need optimization.
    • Bowel preparation (laxatives, enemas) clears the colon 1–2 days prior.
    • Patients are counseled on potential outcomes, including continence and recurrence risk.
  2. Surgical Techniques:
    • Laparoscopic Rectopexy (Suture or Mesh):
      • The most common approach, minimally invasive, lasting 2–3 hours under general anesthesia.
      • 4–5 small abdominal incisions allow insertion of a laparoscope and instruments.
      • The rectum is mobilized by dissecting it from surrounding tissues, preserving pelvic nerves to maintain bladder/sexual function.
      • The rectum is lifted and sutured to the sacrum (suture rectopexy) or secured with a synthetic mesh (mesh rectopexy) for added support.
    • Robotic-Assisted Rectopexy:
      • Uses robotic systems (e.g., da Vinci) for enhanced precision in the pelvis, minimizing nerve damage.
      • Similar to laparoscopic but more expensive, available in centers like Apollo or Medanta.
    • Open Rectopexy:
      • For patients unsuitable for laparoscopy (e.g., extensive adhesions), using a midline abdominal incision.
      • Takes 3–4 hours; involves the same rectal fixation as laparoscopic but with a longer recovery.
    • Ventral Mesh Rectopexy (VMR):
      • A modern laparoscopic technique, focusing on anterior rectal support.
      • A mesh is placed between the rectum and vagina (in women) or prostate (in men), sutured to the sacrum, minimizing posterior dissection and nerve injury.
      • Preferred for patients with incontinence or internal prolapse.
    • Perineal Approaches (Rare):
      • Alternatives like Delorme’s procedure (mucosal resection) or Altemeier’s procedure (perineal proctosigmoidectomy) may be used in frail, elderly patients, but these are less common and have higher recurrence rates.
  3. After Surgery:
    • Patients are monitored in the hospital for 2–5 days (laparoscopic) or 5–7 days (open).
    • Pain is managed with medications (e.g., paracetamol, NSAIDs); IV fluids support recovery.
    • Bowel function resumes within 2–4 days, starting with clear liquids.
    • Follow-up visits assess prolapse correction and bowel function.

Recovery After Rectopexy

  1. Hospital Stay: 2–5 days (laparoscopic), 5–7 days (open).
  2. Post-Surgery Care:
    • Pain managed with medications; sitz baths aid hygiene.
    • IV fluids and gradual oral intake resume within 2–4 days.
    • Stool softeners (e.g., lactulose) prevent straining.
  3. Activity/Diet:
    • Light walking in 1–2 days; strenuous activities avoided for 4–6 weeks (laparoscopic) or 6–8 weeks (open).
    • High-fiber diet (fruits, vegetables, whole grains), 2–3 liters water daily to prevent constipation.
  4. Follow-Up:
    • Visits at 1–2 weeks, 4–6 weeks, 3 months.
    • Bowel function improves over 4–12 weeks; incontinence may persist initially but often resolves.

Most resume normal activities in 4–6 weeks (laparoscopic) or 6–8 weeks (open). Success rates are 85–95%, with prolapse recurrence in 5–15%.

Risks and Complications

  • Surgical Risks: Bleeding, infection, mesh-related complications (e.g., erosion, 1–3%).
  • General Risks: Anesthesia reactions, blood clots, adhesions causing obstruction.
  • Bowel Function Issues: Constipation (10–20%), incontinence (5–15%, often temporary), or obstructed defecation (rare).
  • Long-Term: Recurrence (5–15%), sexual/urinary dysfunction (nerve injury, 2–5%).

Report fever, severe pain, or prolapse recurrence promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What causes rectal prolapse?

Weak pelvic floor muscles, chronic constipation, straining, or aging; more common in older women.

Can prolapse be treated without surgery?

Mild cases may improve with diet, pelvic floor exercises, but full-thickness prolapse often requires rectopexy.

Is laparoscopic better than open rectopexy?

Laparoscopic offers faster recovery, less pain; open is used for complex cases.

How soon can I resume activities?

4–6 weeks (laparoscopic), 6–8 weeks (open).

Is rectopexy covered by insurance in India?

Yes, for symptomatic prolapse; confirm with your provider.

Signs of complications?

Fever, severe pain, prolapse recurrence, or difficulty defecating.

Will I have normal bowel function?

Most regain normal function; some experience temporary constipation or incontinence.

Lifestyle changes post-surgery?

High-fiber diet, hydration, avoid straining, pelvic floor exercises to prevent recurrence.

Conclusion

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Looking for Best Hospitals for Rectopexy

Note: we are not promoting any hospitals

We do not promote any hospitals. All details are sourced from Google and hospital websites. Please verify independently. Start with your surgery—here’s the list of government, budget, and superspecialty hospitals accredited by the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Joint Commission International (JCI)

  • click on your city and schedule your surgery now done in good hands.
City Minimum Price (₱) Maximum Price (₱)
Angeles City
Antipolo
Bacolod
Bacoor
Baguio
Butuan
Cagayan de Oro
Caloocan
Cebu City
Dasmariñas
Davao City
General Santos
General Trias
Iligan
Iloilo City
Las Piñas
Makati
Malolos
Manila
Muntinlupa
Parañaque
Pasay
Pasig
Puerto Princesa
Quezon City
San Fernando
San Jose del Monte
Taguig
Valenzuela
Zamboanga City

Disclaimer

This information is sourced from open platforms and is for general awareness only. Costs may vary based on individual cases. Please consult a qualified doctor for medical advice and explore options within your budget before deciding on the procedure.

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