What kind of doctor repairs a rectocele

Nerve injury is rare, but may result from longs surgeries, and usually resolves with time. 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 percent depending on the technique used. Symptoms improve or resolve between percent of the time.

Light vaginal bleeding can occur as the incision heals and some discomfort with bowel movements is normal, initially. Other risks, common to all pelvic surgery, include the possibility of clot formation in the legs or lungs. This can be a life threatening condition. Anesthetic risk includes collapse of a portion of the lung, pneumonia, and very rarely, death. Prevention of these complications includes use of compression stockings during surgery, early walking after the operation, deep breathing exercises and coughing, and use of an incentive spirometer.

Pre-operative medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, lung disease, and heart disease increase the risk associated with surgery, as does advanced age. Obesity is an additional risk factor, and along with diabetes can affect the healing of the incision. Smoking can also affect healing. Possible long term complications from rectocele repair include narrowing or shortening of the vagina due to the healing process.

This could cause difficulty or pain with intercourse and may require dilation or a minor surgery to correct the narrowing. It is of critical importance that you do not do any heavy lifting over pounds after surgery, as the success of the procedure relies on good scarring around the repair site. Also, we recommend no intercourse, douching or tampons for the first weeks. You will go home with pain medicine and a stool softener, as excess straining can affect the repair.

Posterior vaginal prolapse rectocele care at Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Diagnosis A diagnosis of posterior vaginal prolapse generally occurs during a pelvic exam of your vagina and rectum.

During the pelvic exam your doctor is likely to ask you: To bear down as if having a bowel movement. Bearing down may cause the posterior vaginal prolapse to bulge, so your doctor can assess its size and location.

To tighten your pelvic muscles as if you're stopping a stream of urine. This test checks the strength of your pelvic muscles. Care at Mayo Clinic Our caring team of Mayo Clinic experts can help you with your posterior vaginal prolapse rectocele -related health concerns Start Here. Pessary types Open pop-up dialog box Close. Pessary types Pessaries come in many shapes and sizes. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic.

Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Feldman M, et al. Philadelphia, Pa. Accessed April 12, Rogers RG, et al. Smoking cessation reduces postoperative complications: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Med. Rardin CR, et al. Changes in bowel symptoms 1 year after rectocele repair. Am J Obstet Gynecol.

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Home Health Library. Cystocele and Rectocele Repair Definition A cystocele is when part of the bladder wall bulges into the vagina. These form because of a problem with the fascia, ligaments, and muscles of the pelvis. Reasons for Procedure Cystocele and rectocele can cause problems going to the bathroom such as frequent urination, urine leakage, and difficulty urinating.

Possible Complications Problems from the procedure are rare, but all procedures have some risk. Your doctor will review potential problems, like: Reaction to anesthesia Infection Bleeding Accidental damage to vagina, rectum, and bladder Accidental damage to nearby organs Difficulty with bowel movements Before your procedure, talk to your doctor about ways to manage factors that may increase your risk of complications such as: Smoking Drinking Chronic disease such as diabetes or obesity Prior pelvic surgery may increase the risk of complications.

What to Expect Prior to Procedure Talk to your doctor about your current medications. Certain medications may need to be stopped before the procedure. Eat a light meal the evening before the surgery. Do not have anything to eat or drink after midnight on the night before the procedure.

If you are having a rectocele repair, you may need to have an enema the night before the surgery. Anesthesia You will have either general or regional anesthesia. Description of the Procedure You may be given an antibiotic just before surgery.

How Long Will It Take? Average Hospital Stay The usual length of stay is days. Post-procedure Care At the Hospital A medicated vaginal packing is usually left in the vagina overnight. If you had a rectocele repair, the bladder catheter will be removed as soon as you are able to use the bathroom on your own. If you had a cystocele repair, the bladder catheter often needs to stay in longer—sometimes days. This will allow the bladder more time to begin to work normally.

During your stay, the hospital staff will take steps to reduce your chance of infection such as: Washing their hands Wearing gloves or masks Keeping your incisions covered There are also steps you can take to reduce your chances of infection such as: Washing your hands often and reminding visitors and healthcare providers to do the same Reminding your healthcare providers to wear gloves or masks Not allowing others to touch your incisions At Home When you return home, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery: Avoid lifting anything that weighs more than 10 pounds for about 6 weeks.

Avoid sexual intercourse for about 6 weeks. Avoid inserting anything into the vagina, including tampons, for about 6 weeks. Call Your Doctor Contact your doctor if your recovery is not progressing as expected or you develop complications such as: Signs of infection, including fever and chills Excessive bleeding or any discharge from the incision site Unusually heavy vaginal bleeding or foul-smelling discharge from the vagina Nausea or vomiting Pain that you cannot control with the medications you have been given Inability to pass urine into the catheter Pain, burning, urgency or frequency of urination, or persistent blood in the urine Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain If you think you have an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.

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