A surgical procedure that addresses rectal prolapse is laparoscopic rectopexy. Patients have a lot of questions about this medical procedure, and Dr. Sanjoy Mandal, a renowned gastroenterology surgeon in Kolkata has answered them in this blog.

Q: Why have a laparoscopic rectopexy instead of an open one?

A: Both open and laparoscopic methods are used to do rectopexy. Good laparoscopic surgeons, on the other hand, highly approve of the laparoscopic procedure because it is a minimally invasive surgery with numerous advantages and a higher success rate than traditional open surgery. When compared to an open rectopexy, the following are some of the advantages of a laparoscopic rectopexy:

  • Incisions or cuts are kept to a bare minimum
  • There is little or no blood loss
  • Infection risks are minimal
  • There is less discomfort
  • There are no complications
  • A shorter stay in the hospital
  • Quick recovery
  • A higher rate of success
  • Totally risk-free

As a result, laparoscopic rectopexy is far more popular and in high demand than traditional open surgery. Dr. Mandal is a skilled laparoscopic rectal prolapse surgeon in Kolkata who performs laparoscopic rectopexy with the most up-to-date techniques and equipment.

Q: What is the procedure for laparoscopic rectopexy?

A: During a laparoscopic rectopexy, the patient is given anaesthetic before the procedure is carried out. The top laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgeon in Kolkata then makes a few small incisions in the patient’s abdomen through which a laparoscope (a thin medical instrument with a high-intensity light and a high-resolution camera at its end) and other surgical tools designed specifically for laparoscopic surgery are inserted to repair the prolapsed rectum.

Q: Is it possible for rectal prolapse to recur after a laparoscopic rectopexy?

A: The odds of recurrence after laparoscopic rectopexy are exceedingly low because the surgeons replace the conventional stitches with a surgical mesh after repairing the bulging rectum. The surgical mesh keeps the rectum in place, preventing the patient from developing a reoccurring prolapsed rectum.

Q: What precautions should a patient take following a laparoscopic rectopexy?

A: Fortunately, laparoscopic rectopexy has fewer risks than traditional rectopexy. Nonetheless, the patient should consider some safety precautions after surgery. After a laparoscopic rectum repair, there are some precautions to take.

  • Drink plenty of water as well as other fluids such as fruit juices, coconut water, and other similar beverages
  • Consume a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables (after the soft diet phase is over)
  • Sports and other outside activities should be avoided
  • Do not engage in any strenuous exercise, including heavy lifting
  • Get lots of sleep and rest
  • To avoid infection (which is extremely rare), keep your surgical incisions dry and clean, and wear loose clothing
  • For post-surgical check-ups, make an appointment with your doctor

To avoid constipation and recurrent prolapsed rectum, the best laparoscopic surgeon in Kolkata may recommend stool softeners after surgery.