Rectal Prolapse

The pathophysiology of rectal prolapse is still uncertain and its clinical and instrumental diagnostic assessment needs to be clarified. The appropriate surgical or medical approach is much debated and has never been definitively stated. The rarity of the condition prevents randomized controlled trials from being carried out in a single institution, so the opinions of outstanding leaders in this field are particularly important. This textbook addresses the best way of evaluating patients with rectal prolapse, the underlying pathophysiology, the different surgical approaches, the expected functional results after surgery and the management of complex clinical conditions associated with this condition.

The pathophysiology of external rectal prolapse is still uncertain, and its clinical and instrumental diagnostic assessment as well as the appropriate surgical or medical approach need to be clarified. The relative rarity of this pathology prevents randomised, controlled trials from being carried out in a single institution and the opinions of outstanding leaders in this field are therefore particularly important. With this collaborative, multiauthor work, the editors fulfil that requirement by drawing together the experience of highly recognised national and international professionals. The volume contains extensive and valuable information regarding preferred methods of evaluating patients with rectal prolapse: its underlying aetiology and pathophysiology, the different treatment methods (both surgical and nonsurgical), the expected functional results following surgery and the management of complex clinical presentations associated with this condition. The text is augmented with exceptional illustrations, including both high-quality, operative colour photographs and line drawings, which demonstrate clearly the relevant stages of the procedure being discussed. This volume is a unique publication that covers all aspects of the condition and will be a valuable resource for surgeons, gastroenterologists, radiologists and other practitioners involved in the management of this disorder.