Altemeier Procedure for Complete Rectal Prolapse - A video-vignette.

Complete (or external) rectal prolapse (CRP) is the circumferential, full-thickness intussusception of the rectal wall and has an estimated incidence of 2.5 per 100.000 inhabitants [1, 2]. It occurs with a peak at the extremes of age, especially in elderly woman. The etiopathogenesis is multifactorial and patients complaining of it can suffer from both obstructed defecation syndrome and fecal incontinence. CRP treatments include perineal and abdominal approaches. The choice of approach depends on the age of the patient as well as on the presence of any impairment of anal function but often on the surgeon's experience.