What postoperative care and follow-up are recommended for patients who have undergone surgical repair of rectal prolapse?

Postoperative care and follow-up for patients who have undergone surgical repair of rectal prolapse should include specialist surgical review to discuss the surgical and non-surgical options appropriate for the individual, with realistic expectations of outcomes and potential complications. Patients should be monitored for bowel function, continence, and any signs of recurrence or complications. Early postoperative management should avoid constipating agents and allow patients to eat and drink as soon as they feel able to support recovery. If sphincter repair is involved, temporary defunctioning stomas are not routinely recommended. In cases where surgery is not fully effective or appropriate, alternative treatments such as sacral nerve stimulation may be considered, with specialist assessment and trial stimulation periods to evaluate benefit. Long-term follow-up should include assessment of functional outcomes and management of any ongoing symptoms or complications, ideally coordinated by a specialist multidisciplinary team. Documentation of surgical details and outcomes in a national registry is recommended when mesh is used, to monitor short- and long-term effects. Regular follow-up appointments should be arranged to detect and manage any postoperative urinary or bowel dysfunction, and to provide patient education on symptom monitoring and lifestyle modifications to support recovery and prevent recurrence.