Current surgical treatment of obstructed defecation among selected European opinion leaders in pelvic floor surgery

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to perform a survey on the surgical management of obstructed defecation (OD) across advocated selected coloproctological experts across Europe.

METHODS: Surgeons from 42 centers of coloproctology in Europe were asked to complete a questionnaire, including seven questions about their past and present operative treatment strategy for patients with OD.

RESULTS: The questionnaire was completed by 32 experts of pelvic floor surgery in 13 European countries. All but one indicated that they consider surgical treatment for OD. Seventy-four percent of these have been using transanal stapled rectal resection (STARR) and 96 % transabdominal rectopexy. While only 65 %, who have begun performing STARR are still using transanal resection, the technique is still being used by all surgeons performing abdominal procedures. Rectopexy only, STARR only, or both approaches are offered by 52, 3, and 45 % of surgeons, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: The use of STARR in the treatment of OD is decreasing among European opinion leaders in the field of pelvic floor surgery, while the application of transabdominal procedures continues.