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Hugging a Pillow

Rectocele

Rectocele

rectocele is the serious gynecological condition can be treated from Fathima hospital Kannur

A rectocele is a bulging of the front wall of the rectum into the back wall of the vagina. The rectum is the bottom section of your colon (large intestine). This is a very common problem that often does not produce symptoms. Other pelvic organs can bulge into the vagina, including the bladder (cystocele) and the small intestines (enterocele), producing similar problems.

RECTOCELE CAUSES

Rectoceles are usually caused by thinning of the rectovaginal septum (the tissue between the rectum and vagina) and weakening of the pelvic floor muscles. There are many things that can lead to weakening of the pelvic floor, including:

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  • Vaginal deliveries
     

  • Trauma from vaginal delivery (e.g. the use of forceps or vacuum during delivery, tearing or episiotomy, which is a surgical cut in the muscular area between the vagina and the anus made just before delivery)
     

  • History of constipation
     

  • Chronic straining with bowel movements
     

  • Gynecological (e.g. hysterectomy) or rectal surgeries

RECTOCELE SYMPTOMS

Most people with a small rectocele do not have symptoms. When the rectocele is large, there is usually a noticeable bulge into the vagina.

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Rectal Symptoms

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  • Difficulty having a complete bowel movement
     

  • Stool getting stuck in the bulge of the rectum
     

  • The need to press against the vagina and/or space between the rectum and the vagina to have a bowel movement
     

  • Straining with bowel movements
     

  • The urge to have multiple bowel movements throughout the day
     

  • Constipation
     

  • Rectal pain
     

Vaginal Symptoms
 

  • Pain with sexual intercourse (dyspareunia)
     

  • Vaginal bleeding
     

  • A sense of fullness in the vagina

Diagnosis

Colon and rectal surgeons as well as gynecologists are trained in the diagnosis and treatment of this condition. A rectocele is often found during a routine physical examination. However, other tests may be needed to help evaluate its severity or possible connection to symptoms. The following test may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis.
 

  • Defecography: A special X-ray test that shows the rectum and anal canal as they change during defecation. This study is very specific and can pinpoint the size of the rectocele and the degree to which the rectum is emptied. 

Treatment

Rectocele treatment is needed only when they cause symptoms that interfere with daily living. Before any treatment, your physician will assess whether all your symptoms are related solely to the rectocele. There are nonsurgical and surgical treatment options for rectoceles. Most symptoms associated with a rectocele can be resolved with nonsurgical treatment, however, this depends on the severity of symptoms.

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NONSURGICAL TREATMENT

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The goal is to have good daily bowel habits and softer stools. Avoiding constipation and straining with bowel movements will reduce the risk of a bulge associated with a rectocele.

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Preventive and Medical Tips

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  • Eating a high-fiber diet and taking over-the-counter fiber supplements (25-35 grams of fiber/day)
     

  • Drinking more water (typically 6-8 glasses daily)
     

  • Avoiding excessive straining with bowel movements
     

  • Applying pressure to the back of the vagina during bowel movements
     

  • Pelvic floor exercises such as Kegel
     

  • Biofeedback, a special form of pelvic floor physical therapy aimed at improving rectal sensation and pelvic floor muscle contraction
     

  • Stool softeners
     

  • Hormone replacement therapy
     


SURGICAL TREATMENT
 

The surgical management of rectoceles should only be considered when nonsurgical methods have not resolved or improved symptoms and the condition interferes with daily living. This can be done through abdominal, rectal or vaginal surgery. The choice of procedure depends on the size of the rectocele and its symptoms. The goal of surgery is:

  • To remove the extra tissue caused by the rectocele

  • To strengthen the wall between the rectum and vagina with surrounding tissue or use of a mesh patch

     

POSTSURGERY PROGNOSIS
 

The success rate of surgery depends on the specific symptoms and their duration. Risks of surgical correction include bleeding, infection and pain during intercourse (dyspareunia). There is also the chance of the rectocele recurring or worsening.

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