Skip to main contentLast updated: 04-Nov-2026
Dr Harsh Shah
MS, MCh (Surgical Gastroenterology), DrNB (Surgical Gastroenterology)
Registered with Gujarat Medical Council, Reg. No. G-38738
GI & Proctology Surgeon
Dr. Jivraj Mehta Hospital, Vasna, Ahmedabad · 18 years of experience
In short
An abdominal repair lifts the slipped rectum and fixes it high in the pelvis. It is usually done by keyhole surgery, and it suits people fit enough for an anaesthetic.
Ventral mesh rectopexy uses a thin strip of mesh at the front of the rectum. Stitch-only and bowel-removing versions use no mesh, and are always an option.
The choice depends on your bowel habit, your health and how you feel about mesh. A talk before the operation matters as much as the operation.
The full picture of prolapse and its treatment is on our rectal prolapse surgery page. This post explains only the operations done through the abdomen.
The rectum has slipped down because its supports are slack. An abdominal operation pulls it back up and fixes it to the bone at the back of the pelvis, so it stays in place.
There are three main choices. One uses mesh and two do not. Each solves a slightly different problem, so the right one depends on you.
| Operation | Mesh? | What it does | Who it often suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ventral mesh rectopexy | Yes, a thin strip | Lifts the rectum from the front and fixes it high; leaves the back and side attachments alone | Fit people, especially with a bulge at the front wall or trouble emptying |
| Stitch rectopexy | No | Fixes the freed rectum to the sacrum with stitches | People who do not want mesh |
| Resection rectopexy | No | Removes a long, loose sigmoid colon and fixes the rectum | People who are badly constipated with a long, redundant sigmoid |
Older operations that wrapped a mesh sling around the back or front of the rectum are now rarely used, because they tended to cause constipation or blockage.
The idea is to work only at the front of the rectum. The nerves lie at the back and sides, so leaving them alone means less new constipation than older operations caused.
The surgeon works through small cuts under general anaesthesia. The steps follow a fixed order, and the nerves and the ureter are kept in view throughout.
Most people sit out of bed the same day. A stay in hospital of a few days is usual, and laxatives are given to keep the stool soft while the repair settles.
Mesh can wear through into the rectum or vagina. This is uncommon, but it can show up months or years later, so it is part of the talk before the operation.
Our hub page sets out how we discuss mesh and consent in more detail, on the rectal prolapse surgery page.
Three things decide it: how fit you are, whether constipation or blockage is your main problem, and how you feel about mesh. A pelvic floor check and tests come first.
Risks are real but uncommon. The main ones are the prolapse returning, new or worse constipation, mesh problems, and, with bowel removal, a leak at the join.
It usually lasts longer, but it needs a general anaesthetic. A smaller operation from below may suit older or frail people better. The choice depends on your health.
New constipation is less common than after older operations, because the nerves at the back and side are left alone. Some people still need laxatives for a while.
No. A stitch rectopexy and a resection rectopexy use no mesh. Mesh is one option, and you should hear the others before you agree.
Rarely, it can wear through into the rectum or vagina. Discharge, bleeding or pelvic pain needs a check, even long after the operation.
Mostly by keyhole through small cuts, which means less pain and a shorter stay. An open cut is used when the belly has heavy scarring.
Most people go home within a few days. Lifting and straining are avoided for about six weeks while the repair settles.
See one as soon as you notice tissue coming out, leaks or blockage. Waiting can let the prolapse grow and the bowel weaken.
For the whole range of prolapse care, start at the rectal prolapse surgery page. For questions before you travel, call +91-63555-64601.
Dr Harsh Shah — Dr. Jivraj Mehta Hospital, Vasna, Ahmedabad
Dr. Jivraj Mehta Hospital, Dr Jivraj Mehta Marg, Vasna, Ahmedabad 380007.
Consultations, review of reports and scans, operations and follow-up. OPD Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm.
Appointments: +91-63555-64601 · +91-63590-11009 · Hospital 079-2663 6363
Directions to the hospital · WhatsApp +91-63555-64601
Has a doctor told you that your rectal prolapse needs an operation through the abdomen, and mentioned mesh? It is a fair thing to worry about. Bring your reports and your questions. Dr Harsh Shah will explain the choices, including the ones that use no mesh. Call, or send a message on WhatsApp. Call +91-63555-64601 Ask on WhatsApp
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