Rectal diverticulum: a new complication of STARR procedure for obstructed defecation

Tech Coloproctol. 2008 Mar;12(1):61-3. doi: 10.1007/s10151-008-0389-z. Epub 2008 May 30.

Abstract

We report a case of rectal diverticulum developed after stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) procedure for obstructed defecation. A 21-year-old woman with chronic constipation was diagnosed with a rectocele at defecography. The patient underwent STARR procedure. Six months later, she presented with severe constipation requiring enemas and a worse condition than that preoperatively. Defecography and rectoscopy revealed a rectal wall diverticulum cavity with incomplete elimination of barium enema. The patient underwent transanal diverticulectomy and direct rectal wall repair. STARR procedure can produce new and difficult-to-treat complications and should be reserved for expert colorectal surgeons with proved familiarity in transanal surgery.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Constipation / complications
  • Constipation / surgery*
  • Defecography
  • Diverticulum / diagnosis
  • Diverticulum / etiology*
  • Diverticulum / surgery*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Postoperative Complications / diagnosis
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology*
  • Postoperative Complications / surgery*
  • Proctoscopy
  • Rectal Diseases / diagnosis
  • Rectal Diseases / etiology*
  • Rectal Diseases / surgery*
  • Rectocele / complications
  • Rectocele / diagnosis
  • Rectocele / surgery*
  • Surgical Stapling*