What Is Open and Laparoscopic Resection Rectopexy?

• The diagnosis of rectal prolapse is made through physical examination.
• Your doctor will take your complete history and examine you to check if you are fit for the surgery.
• You might have to undergo a special test known as defecography where the doctor can capture (X-ray) or see the movements (video) of your sigmoid colon and rectum while you defecate. 
• You may also be asked to undergo a procedure known as colonoscopy where a tube-like camera will be inserted into your rectum to check if there is any bleeding.
• Your doctor will counsel you about the risks and complications of the surgical procedure.
• You will be given medicated enema a night before the surgery to clear your bowels.
• You must not eat anything for six to 12 hours before your surgery. Take only necessary medicines with sips of water.

• You’ll receive fluids through a needle inserted in your veins (IV).
• Next, you will be put under general anesthesia that makes you sleep throughout the procedure.
• Depending on the type of surgery—open or laparoscopic—incisions will be made on your abdomen.
• Your surgeon will retrieve the sigmoid colon and cut (resect) it.
• The rectum will be lifted and stitched (anastomosis) to the open end of the colon (descending colon) to restore it to its normal position.
• The rectum will also be stitched adequately to secure it in place.
• The surgical wound will be sutured closed with absorbable surgical thread and bandaged.

• You will be transferred to the surgical ward and observed for several hours after the surgery.
• Only oral medicines with a few sips of water will be allowed right after the surgery.
• You will be instructed to eat only a soft diet (no raw fruits and vegetables) as tolerated from the next day of your surgery.
• Pain medications will relieve your surgical wound pain.
• You will be able to get out of bed the same night of your surgery.
• If there are no complications, you will be discharged after one to seven days post-surgery. 
• The length of your hospital stay also depends on how early you are able to pass gas and stool.
• Upon discharge, your surgeon will give you specific instructions for your early recovery while at home. 
• Follow-up with your surgeon will be scheduled for around 14 days after surgery.
• You can resume your normal activities once you are home. 
• If you become constipated or have any other concerns, contact your doctor.

Resection rectopexy is a major surgery that comes with the following possible complications:

• Infection (external and internal)
• Injury to adjacent structures like ureter or vagina
• Prolonged paralytic ileus (loss of muscle functioning of the colon)
• Leakage of feces from the colon
• Recurrence of rectal prolapse 
• Bowel obstruction
• Hernia
• Diarrhea
• Bowel incontinence
• Damage to surrounding nerves resulting in sexual and urinary problems