Transverse Perineal Support With STARR for Anterior Rectocele With Excessive Perineal Descent

Overview

This prospective randomized controlled trial will include adult patients with ODS, anterior rectocele ≥3 cm, and excessive perineal descent following failure of conservative treatment. Patients will be randomized 1:1 to STARR alone or STARR combined with transverse perineal support procedure using polypropylene mesh. The primary outcome will be Change in Obstructed Defecation Syndrome score (ODS-S; Renzi score) in both groups. Secondary outcomes will include operative time, postoperative pain, surgical complications, surgical site infection, and sexual function assessed using the PISQ-12. Patients will be followed up twice during the first postoperative week, weekly during the first month, and monthly thereafter.

This will be a prospective, randomized controlled trial conducted at Kasr Al-Ainy Hospitals, Cairo University, including adult patients of either sex with obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS) associated with rectocele, and excessive perineal descent. Eligible patients must have anterior rectocele ≥3 cm, excessive perineal descent, and failure of conservative treatment. Patients with Slow-transit constipation, anterior rectocele of \< 3 cm, complete external rectal prolapse, evidence of colorectal carcinoma or Inflammatory bowel disease ( IBD), Patients with fecal incontinence, Inability for lifestyle change postoperatively, or previous surgeries for anterior rectocele will be excluded. Following informed written consent, Eligible participants will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio using computer-generated randomization, with allocation concealment through sequentially numbered, opaque, sealed envelopes. Patients will be allocated to either Group A (STARR alone) or Group B (STARR combined with transverse perineal support using non-absorbable polypropylene mesh). Postoperative assessment will include operative time, pain using the visual analogue scale, and postoperative complications. Patients will be followed-up twice weekly in the first postoperative week, weekly during the first month, and monthly thereafter. The primary outcome will be Change in Obstructed Defecation Syndrome score (ODS-S; Renzi score) in both groups. Secondary outcomes will include operative time, postoperative pain, surgical site infection, sexual function assessed by Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary incontinence sexual questionnaire (PISQ-12), and postoperative complications.