Document Classification

Section Type: METHODS

Text: Between January 1999 and December 2003, 58 patients (55 females ; mean age, 70. 9 + / - 11. 3 years) with full-thickness rectal prolapse were evaluated with continence score, colonoscopy, anorectal manometry, anal electromyography, and sacral reflex latency ; 40 of them were selected and randomly assigned to two groups : 20 patients (Group 1 ; 19 females, 73. 4 + / - 10. 4 years) were submitted to a conventional operation with monopolar electrocautery and handsewn anastomosis, and 20 (Group 2 ; 18 females, 71. 5 + / - 12. 2 years) using harmonic scalpel and circular stapler.