Surgery Overview
A rectocele occurs when the end of the large intestine (rectum) pushes against and moves the back wall of the vagina. An enterocele (small bowel prolapse) occurs when the small bowel presses against and moves the upper wall of the vagina.
In this regard, can a prolapse affect bowel movements?
Posterior Wall Prolapse (Rectocele or Enterocele)
Symptoms typically include: A bulge sensation. Problems having a bowel movement such as straining more with bowel movements and the feeling of not completely emptying the bowels. The need to put your finger in or around the vagina or rectum to help empty bowels.
Also to know is, does a prolapse cause stomach bloating?
Recurring urinary tract infections and pain during bowel movements or urination may also indicate prolapse. Other symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse include: Pulling and stretching sensation in the groin. Feeling bloated in the lower belly.
Does an enterocele need surgery?
Because rectocele and enterocele are defects of the pelvic supporting tissue and not the bowel wall, they are treated most successfully with surgery that repairs the vaginal wall. This surgery pulls together the stretched or torn tissue in the area of prolapse.
How do you fix an enterocele?
Surgery. A surgeon can perform surgery to repair the prolapse through the vagina or abdomen, with or without robotic assistance. During the procedure, your surgeon moves the prolapsed small bowel back into place and tightens the connective tissue of your pelvic floor.
How do you poop after rectocele surgery?
The Best Position for Your Bowel Movement After Prolapse Surgery
- Sit on the toilet seat (never hover)
- Place your feet flat on the floor.
- Rest your hands or forearms on your thighs to support your trunk.
- Lean your trunk forwards.
- Keep the inward curve in your lower back during emptying (see bowel emptying position above)
How long do you stay in hospital after rectocele surgery?
What happens after the procedure? You may stay in the hospital anywhere from 2 to 6 days. The catheter may remain in your bladder 2 to 6 days or until your bladder starts working normally again. You may be constipated during this time.
How painful is a rectocele repair?
The most common postoperative symptom after rectocele repair is rectal pressure and discomfort. This should resolve over several weeks as the tissue heals. The success for this procedure to correct the bulge is over 80-90 percent depending on the technique used.
Is pelvic floor repair major surgery?
A pelvic floor reconstruction is a major surgical procedure that is designed to restore strength and integrity to the pelvic floor by addressing each of these prolapsing organs, one by one, and either rebuilding the supporting layer, or removing the fallen organ.
What are the signs and symptoms of enterocele?
Symptoms
- A pulling sensation in your pelvis that eases when you lie down.
- A feeling of pelvic fullness, pressure or pain.
- Low back pain that eases when you lie down.
- A soft bulge of tissue in your vagina.
- Vaginal discomfort and painful intercourse (dyspareunia)
What causes an enterocele?
What causes an enterocele? An enterocele occurs when muscles, connective tissues and ligaments in the pelvic region (pelvic floor) stretch or tear. These muscles and tissues support the bowels, uterus and vagina. The small intestine is part of the digestive system.
What happens after enterocele surgery?
After Enterocele Repair
You may stay in the hospital from 1 to 2 days. Most women can return to their normal activities in about 6 weeks. Avoid strenuous activity for the first 6 weeks. And increase your activity level gradually.
What happens if prolapse is left untreated?
If prolapse is left untreated, over time it may stay the same or slowly get worse. In rare cases, severe prolapse can cause obstruction of the kidneys or urinary retention (inability to pass urine). This may lead to kidney damage or infection.
What is the difference between cystocele and enterocele?
Anterior vaginal wall prolapse is commonly referred to as cystocele or urethrocele (when the bladder or urethra is involved). Posterior vaginal wall prolapse is commonly referred to as enterocele (when the small intestine and peritoneum are involved) and rectocele (when the rectum is involved).