Therapeutic effects of the TST36 stapler on rectocele combined with internal rectal prolapse

BACKGROUND: The most common causes of outlet obstructive constipation (OOC) are rectocele and internal rectal prolapse. The surgical methods for OOC are diverse and difficult, and the postoperative complications and recurrence rate are high, which results in both physical and mental pain in patients. With the continuous deepening of the surgeon’s concept of minimally invasive surgery and continuous in-depth research on the mechanism of OOC, the treatment concepts and surgical methods are continuously improved. AIM: To determine the efficacy of the TST36 stapler in the treatment of rectocele combined with internal rectal prolapse. METHODS: From January 2017 to July 2019, 49 female patients with rectocele and internal rectal prolapse who met the inclusion criteria were selected for treatment using the TST36 stapler. RESULTS: Forty-five patients were cured, 4 patients improved, and the cure rate was 92%. The postoperative obstructed defecation syndrome score, the defecation frequency score, time/straining intensity, and sensation of incomplete evacuation were significantly decreased compared with these parameters before treatment, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The postoperative anal canal resting pressure and maximum squeeze pressure in patients decreased compared with before treatment, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The initial and maximum defecation thresholds after surgery were significantly lower than those before treatment, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The postoperative ratings of rectocele, resting phase, and defecation phase in these patients were significantly decreased compared with those before treatment, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The TST36 stapler is safe and effective in treating rectocele combined with internal rectal prolapse and is worth promoting in clinical work.