Application and Future Prospects of Disposable PPH Staplers in Rectal Prolapse Repair Surgery

Rectal prolapse is a common anorectal condition characterized by the protrusion of rectal mucosa or the full thickness of the rectal wall outside the anus, significantly impacting patients' quality of life. Traditional rectal prolapse repair surgeries typically involve open procedures, which are associated with significant trauma, prolonged recovery times, and high complication rates. With the advancement of minimally invasive surgical techniques, the application of disposable PPH (Procedure for Prolapse and Hemorrhoids) staplers in rectal prolapse repair has gained increasing attention. The PPH stapler achieves repair by circumferentially removing the prolapsed rectal mucosa and stapling the residual ends, not only reducing surgical trauma but also significantly improving surgical outcomes and patient satisfaction. This article explores the current application, technical advantages, challenges, and future development directions of disposable PPH staplers in rectal prolapse repair.

The disposable PPH stapler is a specialized minimally invasive surgical instrument for anorectal diseases. Its core design includes the stapler body, a circular cutting blade, and staples. The working principle involves pulling the prolapsed rectal mucosa into the stapler, using the circular blade to remove excess mucosal tissue, and stapling the residual ends to restore the normal anatomical structure of the rectum. Compared to traditional open surgeries, the disposable PPH stapler offers significant advantages, including ease of operation, shorter surgical time, minimal trauma, and faster postoperative recovery.

In rectal prolapse repair, the application of the disposable PPH stapler is mainly reflected in the following aspects: First, it enables precise removal of the prolapsed rectal mucosa, avoiding damage to surrounding healthy tissues. Traditional open surgeries often require extensive tissue dissection, leading to postoperative pain and complications, whereas the PPH stapler achieves precise resection through a minimally invasive approach, significantly reducing intraoperative bleeding and tissue damage. Second, the circular stapling design of the PPH stapler effectively restores the anatomical structure of the rectum, reducing the risk of postoperative recurrence. Traditional suturing methods may result in insecure anastomosis or misalignment of the mucosa, while the PPH stapler ensures stable and reliable surgical outcomes by completing resection and anastomosis in one step. Additionally, the use of the PPH stapler shortens surgical time, reducing anesthesia risks and postoperative complications for patients.

The technical advantages of the disposable PPH stapler in rectal prolapse repair are mainly reflected in the following aspects: First, its minimally invasive nature significantly reduces surgical trauma. Traditional open surgeries require extensive incisions around the anus, resulting in noticeable postoperative pain and prolonged recovery, whereas the PPH stapler accomplishes the procedure through small incisions, leading to less postoperative pain and faster recovery, allowing patients to resume normal life sooner. Second, the ease of operation of the PPH stapler improves surgical efficiency. Traditional surgeries require advanced suturing skills, while the PPH stapler simplifies the surgical process through standardized procedures, reducing surgical difficulty and the risk of intraoperative errors. Furthermore, the circular stapling design of the PPH stapler effectively reduces postoperative complications. For example, the even distribution of staples ensures secure mucosal alignment, lowering the risks of postoperative bleeding and infection.

Despite the significant advantages of the disposable PPH stapler in rectal prolapse repair, its application still faces some challenges. First, the high cost of the PPH stapler may increase the financial burden on patients, especially in regions with limited medical resources. Second, the use of the PPH stapler requires surgeons to have a certain level of experience, and beginners may face a steep learning curve. Additionally, the effectiveness of the PPH stapler in complex cases requires further validation. For instance, in patients with severe anal laxity or full-thickness rectal prolapse, the PPH stapler alone may not fully address the issue, necessitating combination with other surgical techniques.

However, with continuous technological advancements, the application prospects of the disposable PPH stapler in rectal prolapse repair remain promising. First, as production techniques improve and large-scale production is achieved, the cost of the PPH stapler is expected to decrease, making it more accessible to a wider range of medical institutions. Second, advancements in material science offer possibilities for enhancing the performance of the PPH stapler. For example, the application of new biocompatible materials can improve the strength and durability of staples while reducing tissue irritation. Furthermore, the integration of smart technologies presents new opportunities for the development of the PPH stapler. For instance, future PPH staplers may be equipped with sensors to monitor tension and blood supply at the anastomosis site in real time, providing surgeons with more precise surgical guidance.

In future developments, the application of the disposable PPH stapler may also integrate with other advanced technologies to further enhance its effectiveness. For example, the use of 3D printing technology could enable the customization of staplers for individual patients, improving surgical precision and safety. Additionally, the introduction of artificial intelligence could assist surgeons in operating the PPH stapler with greater accuracy, reducing intraoperative complications. For instance, AI-based navigation systems could analyze the anatomical structures of the surgical area in real time, providing optimized recommendations for stapler placement and resection range.

Beyond technological advancements, the application of the disposable PPH stapler is also driven by clinical demands. As patients increasingly prioritize quality of life, the demand for minimally invasive surgeries for rectal prolapse is growing. The advantages of the PPH stapler in reducing postoperative pain and accelerating recovery make it an important tool in future rectal prolapse repair. Additionally, with the aging population, the incidence of rectal prolapse is rising, providing a broad market for the application of the PPH stapler.

In future research, further exploration is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of the disposable PPH stapler in different types of rectal prolapse repair and to compare it with traditional surgical methods. Moreover, the long-term effects and safety of the PPH stapler need to be thoroughly assessed to ensure it provides the best possible treatment outcomes in clinical applications. Through continuous research and technological improvements, the disposable PPH stapler is expected to play an increasingly important role in rectal prolapse repair, offering patients better treatment outcomes and quality of life.

In summary, the application of the disposable PPH stapler in rectal prolapse repair has demonstrated significant advantages and holds great promise for the future. As technology continues to advance and clinical demands grow, the disposable PPH stapler is likely to become a mainstream tool in rectal prolapse repair. However, challenges remain, and further research and technological improvements are necessary. In the future, as PPH stapler technology continues to evolve, its application in rectal prolapse repair will become more widespread, providing patients with better surgical experiences and postoperative outcomes.