Rectocele-Enterocele Treatment

What is Rectocele?

Rectocele is the protrusion of the last part of the large intestine (rectum) into the posterior wall of the vagina. It is a common condition, especially in women after childbirth, and often does not lead to complaints because it does not show symptoms. Other organs in the pelvic cavity, such as the bladder (cystocele) or small intestines (enterocele), can also herniate into the vagina, creating similar problems. Those who wish to undergo rectocele-enterosele therapy can observe symptoms and schedule an appointment at our equipped and specialized office.

Conditions Requiring Rectocele - Enterocele Therapy

For rectocele-enterosele treatment, it is usually necessary for the pelvic floor muscles to weaken, along with thinning and weakening of the rectovaginal septum, the connective tissue that separates the rectum and vagina. Many reasons can lead to this condition: - Normal vaginal delivery - Birth trauma (use of forceps or vacuum, rupture, or episiotomy) - Long-standing history of constipation - Excessive straining during defecation - Gynecological or rectal surgeries Most small rectoceles do not cause complaints. In the presence of a large rectocele, a swelling that can usually be felt in the vagina is noticeable. Vaginal delivery of one or more children increases the risk of prolapse by contributing to the weakening of the pelvic floor support structures. The more pregnancies one has, the greater the risk of developing pelvic organ prolapse. Women who only give birth by cesarean section are less likely to develop prolapse. As age increases, small bowel prolapse and other pelvic organ prolapses become more common. With aging, the muscles and connective tissues in the pelvic area tend to lose strength. Undergoing obstetric surgery, having a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus), or surgical procedures to treat incontinence can increase the risk of developing small bowel prolapse. Increased abdominal pressure, being overweight raises the pressure in your abdomen, thereby increasing the risk of small bowel prolapse. Other factors that increase pressure include chronic coughing and straining during bowel movements. Smoking is associated with the development of prolapse because smokers often cough, which increases abdominal pressure. For unknown reasons, white women are at higher risk of developing pelvic organ prolapse. Connective tissue disorders may make you genetically predisposed to prolapse due to weak connective tissues in your pelvic area, making you more susceptible to small bowel prolapse and other pelvic organ prolapses.

Rectal Complaints

Depending on the severity of the condition, symptoms can range from a feeling of fullness and pressure in the lower abdomen to a mass protruding from the vagina. - The need to manually press on the swollen part of the vagina or the area between the vagina to defecate - Excessive straining during bowel movements - The need to defecate several times a day - Constipation - Breech pain - Vaginal complaints - Pain during sexual intercourse - Vaginal bleeding - A feeling of fullness in the vagina

How is Rectocele-Enterocele Treated?

If patients experience complaints that affect their daily lives, rectocele-enterosele therapy should be performed. Before treatment, an assessment should be made to identify other diseases that may cause complaints besides rectocele. Both surgical and non-surgical treatment methods are available.

Non-Surgical Treatment

The aim is to develop comfortable daily bowel habits and to achieve soft bowel movements. Preventing constipation and straining during defecation reduces the risk of developing rectocele-related swelling.

Surgical Treatment

Surgical methods can be used when non-surgical methods are insufficient, and rectocele continues to interfere with the patient's daily life and activities. Abdominal, rectal, or vaginal methods can be employed for this purpose. The size of the rectocele and the appropriate method for the symptoms are selected. The goal is to remove the tissue associated with the rectocele and to strengthen the weakened connective tissue between the rectum and vagina using surrounding tissues or a patch method. The aim is to alleviate the associated tissue with the rectocele.