To evaluate the clinical efficacy of Delorme-Thiersch procedure and Yiqi Yangyin decoction in the treatment of complete rectal prolapse in adults and identify key factors affecting the healing process.

A retrospective analysis was performed on the data of 19 patients with complete rectal prolapse who underwent Delorme's plus Thiersch's procedure with Yiqi Yangyin decoction at the Department of Anorectal Surgery, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 2018 to December 2021. Anal rectal pressure measurements and Wexner anal incontinence scores were used to evaluate anal function in patients before and 3 months after surgery.

Nineteen patients with rectal prolapse successfully completed this treatment. All patients had no complications such as postoperative bleeding, anastomotic infection, or rectal perforation. The patients were followed for 3 to 48 months. The healing rate at 3 months postoperatively; the overall healing rate at 6 months after operation was 78.95%, and the improvement rate was 21.05%. The Wexner anal incontinence score improved significantly in female patients at 3 months postoperatively compared to the preoperative score (P＜0.05). Resting anal canal pressure and maximal anal canal systolic pressure were both higher at 3 months postoperatively than before operation (P＜0.05).

Delorme's plus Thiersch's procedure is safe and effective in the treatment of complete rectal prolapse, with mild acceptable complications. Delorme's plus Thiersch's procedure combined with Yiqi Yangyin decoction can reduce postoperative symptoms, improve anal incontinence, and promote the recovery of anal function.