Complications - Perineal rectosigmoidectomy – Altemeier procedure

With correct technique, careful dissection and subtle intermittent hemostasis (e.g. bipolar coagulation) intraoperative complications are very rare. Arterial hemorrhage can be controlled by direct suture ligation.

• Dehiscent anastomosis → revision surgery not necessarily mandatory
• Suture line bleeding
• Postoperative bleeding from the mesorectum → requires abdominal revision surgery in most cases
• Urinary tract infection; urinary retention
• Suture line failure → protective ostomy
• Pelvic abscess formation
• Anal stricture
• Recurrent prolapse
• Functional complaints: Incontinence, urge incontinence, fecal spotting, constipation