Rectocele repair

TREATMENT FOR POSTERIOR VAGINAL WALL PROLAPSE

A rectocele is a when a prolapse (bulge) appears between your back passage and vagina

What is a vaginal prolapse?

A rectocele is a type of vaginal prolapse (organ bulge). It happens when the thin wall of tissue between your back passage and rectum (known as the posterior vaginal wall) weakens and then bulges out. This weakening can be brought on by childbirth and other processes that put pressure on your pelvic area.

If the resulting prolapse (bulge) is small then you might not experience any symptoms. If the prolapse is large and protrudes outside your vagina, it can be extremely painful and affect your bowel movements. If this happens, we can help by carrying out rectocele repair surgery.

Need to know

What happens during surgery?

Your gynacologist will repair the rectocele by removing the excess, stretched tissues that have caused the bulge. The procedure is done under general anaesthetic.

How to prepare

You may need to have an enema prior to the procedure to empty your bowel. As the procedure will be done under general anaesthetic, you may also need to limit your food and drink intake beforehand.

Your consultant or nurse specialist will explain this and any other preparations you'll need to take. They'll also explain the procedure itself, as well as any risks or side effects involved.