During the period 1982-91, 52 patients were treated for rectal prolapse. We present the results for 25 treated with Delorme's operation and 14 with rectopexy, all of whom were observed for more than 12 months after operation. Four patients who had internal prolapse were treated with rectopexy. Eight (15%) of 52 patients had postoperative complications, including six in the Delorme group and two in the rectopexy group. A 75 year-old woman operated with rectopexy died from peritonitis. Eight patients (32%) developed recurrent prolapse after Delorme's operation. Five of these were successfully reoperated. No patients in the rectopexy group had a recurrent prolapse. Incontinence and bleeding were reduced in both groups. Despite a relatively high rate of recurrence, we consider Delorme's operation to be a good alternative, also for old debilitated patients, and to involve a minimal risk of serious complications. If recurrence occurs, reoperation can be carried out with good results.