✦ STAPLED TRANS-ANAL RECTAL RESECTION

STARR Procedure

Q: Who is a good candidate for STARR?

STARR is best for patients with obstructed defecation syndrome due to internal rectal prolapse and rectocele, after detailed pelvic floor assessment. It is not suitable for full-thickness external prolapse or significant pelvic floor incoordination.

Q: How is STARR different from rectocele repair?

STARR addresses both internal rectal prolapse and rectocele in a single procedure using staplers, while traditional rectocele repair targets only the rectovaginal wall. STARR is more comprehensive for select cases of ODS.

Q: Will I have any pain after STARR?

Some pelvic discomfort and a sense of urgency are common in the first few weeks and gradually settle. Sitz baths, simple analgesics, and structured follow-up help manage symptoms.

Q: Will STARR fix all my bowel symptoms?

Most patients experience significant improvement in obstructed defecation. Some may need pelvic floor therapy for additional functional optimisation. Dr. Tejasree provides a structured, multidisciplinary plan.

Stapled Trans-Anal Rectal Resection — removes the redundant rectal wall causing obstructed defecation through the anus using staplers, with no external scars and quick recovery.

60–90 min PROCEDURE

1–2 Days HOSPITAL STAY

>80% SUCCESS RATE

1–2 Weeks RETURN TO WORK

What is STARR Procedure?

The STARR Procedure (Stapled Trans-Anal Rectal Resection) is a modern, minimally invasive surgery for obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS) caused by internal rectal prolapse (intussusception) and rectocele. Specialised circular staplers are used to remove the redundant, prolapsed rectal wall entirely through the anus, restoring normal rectal shape and improving bowel emptying. There are no external scars, and recovery is significantly quicker than open or laparoscopic repair. Dr. Tejasree Vengala, an experienced female proctologist in Hyderabad, performs STARR at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad, in carefully selected patients.

Suitable for women with obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS) caused by significant internal rectal prolapse and rectocele, after careful pelvic floor assessment and failure of conservative management.

How the Procedure Works

Anaesthesia & Positioning

Surgery is performed under spinal or general anaesthesia. The patient is positioned to allow optimal access to the anal canal.

Trans-Anal Access

A specialised anal dilator and stapler platform are inserted to provide stable access to the rectum.

Anterior Resection

The front part of the redundant rectal wall is removed using a specialised circular stapler in a controlled, calibrated manner.

Posterior Resection

The back part of the redundant rectal wall is similarly removed with a second stapler firing, completing the circumferential resection.

Recovery & Discharge

The new rectal shape is checked, bleeding controlled, and the platform removed. Most patients are discharged in 1–2 days.

Outcomes

60–90 minDURATION

1–2 DaysHOSPITAL STAY

>80%SUCCESS RATE

3–4 WeeksFULL RECOVERY

Who Needs This Treatment?

→No external scars — entirely through the anus
→Effectively addresses both internal prolapse and rectocele
→Restores normal rectal shape and bowel emptying
→Significantly improves obstructed defecation symptoms
→Quick recovery and short hospital stay
→Compassionate care by a female proctologist

STARR is a precise, elegant operation for the right patient — we remove exactly the redundant rectal tissue causing obstructed defecation, all from below. When patient selection is done well, the functional improvement afterwards can be life-changing.

— — Dr. Tejasree Vengala, Consultant Proctologist & Laparoscopic Surgeon, Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is a good candidate for STARR?+

How is STARR different from rectocele repair?+

Will I have any pain after STARR?+

Will STARR fix all my bowel symptoms?+

Not sure which treatment is right for you?

Book a consultation with Dr. Tejasree Vengala and get a personalised treatment plan.

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