Altemeier procedure for strangulated rectal prolapse: A case report

Case Report

Abstract

Rectal prolapse (RP), a condition characterized by the externalization of the rectal wall through the anus, presents challenges in management, particularly when complicated by incarceration or strangulation. We report a case of a 56-year-old woman diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia undergoing chemotherapy, who presented with a painful protruding mass through the anal canal. Despite the contraindication for abdominal surgery due to ongoing chemotherapy, the patient required emergency intervention for a strangulated RP. The Altemeier procedure was performed, employing a modified technique using linear staplers, which proved effective in achieving mechanical anastomosis and minimizing intraoperative blood loss. The patient experienced successful resolution of symptoms with conservative management postoperatively, highlighting the importance of individualized treatment approaches in complex medical scenarios. This case underscores the significance of surgical intervention, particularly the Altemeier procedure, in managing challenging cases of RP, offering favorable outcomes for patients, even in the presence of contraindications for abdominal surgery.