Delorme Procedure
A perineal approach to rectal prolapse - the redundant rectal mucosa is stripped and the muscle wall plicated through the anal opening, with no abdominal incisions. Preferred for elderly or high anaesthetic-risk patients.
What is Delorme Procedure?
The Delorme Procedure is a perineal repair of rectal prolapse performed entirely through the anal opening - without any abdominal incision. The redundant prolapsed rectal mucosa is stripped from just above the dentate line to the apex of the prolapse. The exposed muscular wall is then plicated (gathered with sutures) to shorten and reinforce it, and the mucosal ends are sutured together. Dr. Samhitha Reddy performs the Delorme Procedure at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad for patients with full-thickness rectal prolapse who have significant comorbidities making abdominal surgery less appropriate. As part of the comprehensive rectal prolapse treatment in Hyderabad programme, it provides meaningful functional improvement and symptom relief for elderly patients who cannot safely undergo laparoscopic rectopexy.
How the Procedure Works
Prolapse Eversion
Under spinal or general anaesthesia, the prolapsed rectum is fully everted and held in position. The dentate line is identified as the starting point.
Mucosal Stripping
The mucosa is incised circumferentially just above the dentate line and stripped from the underlying muscle cylinder up to the apex - removing a circumferential mucosal tube.
Muscle Plication
The denuded muscle cylinder is plicated with 6-8 non-absorbable sutures placed circumferentially - folding and shortening the muscle wall.
Mucosal Anastomosis
The proximal and distal mucosal ends are sutured together with an absorbable running suture. The plicated muscle reinforces the anastomosis.
Recovery
Hospital stay 1-2 days. High-fibre diet and stool softeners prescribed. Post-operative pelvic floor physiotherapy recommended.
Outcomes
Who Needs This Treatment?
- →No abdominal incisions - entirely perineal approach through the anal canal
- →Safe for elderly patients and those with significant cardiovascular or respiratory comorbidities
- →Shorter anaesthetic time than abdominal rectopexy
- →Can be combined with sphincter repair if incontinence is present
- →1-night stay - minimal hospital time
- →Available at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad as part of the comprehensive rectal prolapse programme
The Delorme Procedure is a clever perineal solution to a significant problem. For elderly patients with large prolapse who cannot safely undergo abdominal surgery, it provides meaningful functional improvement and symptom relief - with a recovery measured in days, not weeks.
— - Dr. Samhitha Reddy, Consultant Proctologist & Laparoscopic Surgeon
Common Questions
Frequently Asked
Not sure which treatment is right for you?
Book a consultation with Dr. Samhitha Reddy and get a personalised treatment plan.