Rectal Prolapse

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.

• Chronic constipation
• Fecal incontinence
• Rehabilitation
• Surgery
• assessment
• imaging

From the reviews:

"The figures are excellent and easy to understand and the scientific evidence is honestly stated. The purpose is to give detailed information with scientific basis for both traditional approaches and new techniques. … Because the book is easy to understand, students and residents would be able to follow it. However, it is designed for subspecialists, including colorectal fellows and surgeons in both private and academic practice. … This is an excellent book." (Shauna Lorenzo-Rivero, Doody’s Review Service, February 2008)

• Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, General Surgery and Liver, Transplantation Unit, University of Bari, Bari, Italy

  Donato F. Altomare

• Department of Medical and Surgical Critical Care, University of Florence, Florence, Italy

  Filippo Pucciani

Policies and ethics