Objective: To evaluate the results after Delorme's operation for rectal prolapse in elderly and unfit patients.
Design: Retrospective analysis and telephone interview.
Setting: Akademiska sjukhuset, Uppsala, Sweden.
Subjects: A consecutive series of 14 women (median age 82, range 32-92) operated on for rectal prolapse 1987-1992 and followed up after a median of 18 months.
Results: There were no serious postoperative complications. Continence was improved in 6/11 incontinent patients. The recurrence rate was 3/14 (21%).
Conclusion: Delorme's operation is an attractive alternative in elderly or unfit patients, but is not recommended for younger and low risk patients because of the recurrence rate.