Delorme's Procedure: An Effective Treatment for a Full-Thickness Rectal Prolapse in Young Patients

PURPOSE: Delorme's procedure is infrequently applied in young adults because of its assumed higher recurrence rate. The aim of this prospective study was to assess the efficacy of the Delorme's technique in younger adults. METHODS: Fifty-two consecutive patients were entered in our study. We followed patients for at least 30 months. Their complaints and clinical exam results were noted. RESULTS: Our study included 52 patients (mean age, 38.44 years; standard deviation, 13.7 years). Of the included patients, 41 (78.8%) were younger than 50 years of age, and 11 (21.1%) were older than 50 years of age. No postoperative mortalities or major complications were noted. Minor complications were seen in 5 patients (9.6%) after surgery. The mean hospital stay was 2.5 days. In the younger group (age ≤50 years), fecal incontinence was improved in 92.3% (12 out of 13 with previous incontinence) of the patients, and recurrence was seen in 9.75% (4 patients). In the older group (age >50 years), fecal incontinence was improved in 20% (1 out of 5 with previous incontinence) of the patients, and recurrence was seen in 18.2% (2 patients). In 50% of the patients with a previous recurrence (3 out of 6 patients) following Delorme's procedure as a secondary procedure, recurrence was observed. CONCLUSION: Delorme's procedure, especially in younger patients, is a relatively safe and effective treatment and should not be restricted to older frail patients. This procedure may not be suitable for recurrent cases.