What the STARR procedure involves

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• Stapled rectal mucosectomy or STARR is usually suitable for patients with rectocele, rectal intussusception, mucosal prolapse, occult rectal prolapse or any combination of the above.

• It is usually performed under general anaesthesia and in BLAs experience the majority can be performed as day cases.

• Transanal insertion of a 31mm stapling instrument to resect (full thickness) the lower 5cm of prolapsing rectum together with any associated rectocele, intussusception or mucosal prolapse.

• A simultaneous resection and anastomosis is secured with the staple line placed within the rectum.

• Potential complications include bleeding (primary, reactionary and secondary), perineal sepsis, rectovaginal fistula, pain.

• 50% of patients experience defecatory urgency early in the postoperative period.  The latter is usually self limiting and usually resolves within three to six months.