Stapled transanal rectal resection for outlet obstruction syndrome: results and follow-up.

Background: The objective of the present study was to assess safety, effectiveness, and long-term outcomes of stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) for the cure of outlet obstruction syndrome (OOS).
Methods: Data were collected over a 3-year period (2004-2007), at the Department of Surgery of the University of Genoa, from 25 consecutive subjects (19 of them females) undergoing STARR because of OOS that had not responded to medical treatment,.
Results: Preoperatively, patients were submitted to clinical examination, defecography, colonoscopy, manometry, and recto-anal reflexes determination. All patients had mucosal prolapse, 15 rectal intussusception, 15 rectocele. Postoperatively no deaths were observed; one patient had a hemorrhage requiring reintervention. Mean time to resumption of normal activity was 8.5 +/- 4.5 days. Patients were followed for a mean of 24.7 +/- 10.9 months (range: 6-42 months). Late specific complications included 3 cases of urge to defecate, 8 of incontinence to flatus. Functional outcome was positive for 22 patients (excellent in 4 cases, good in 15, fairly good in 3). Six months postoperatively (25 s), patients had improvement of the mean Constipation Score (p = 0.0002), less pain during evacuation (p = 0.0003), and reduced use of digital assistance to defecate (p < 0.0001). Continence Grading Scale and enema use remained stable after intervention. Patients had increase in basal sphincter pressure (p = 0.0078) and maximal squeeze pressure (p = 0.0051). Recto-anal reflex study showed increase in abdominal pain threshold (p < 0.0001); anal sphincter relaxation threshold and desire to defecate threshold did not change.
Conclusions: According to the present study, STARR seemed to be a safe and effective treatment for OOS associated with symptomatic rectocele and intussusception.