Rectocele treatment

Abstract

Rectoceles are defined by a herniation of the rectal wall through a defect in the posterior rectovaginal septum in direction of the vagina. They are prevalent in women, but some rare cases of herniation of the rectum through the Denonvilliers’ fascia have also been reported and treated in men. This anatomical abnormality may occur for different reasons: The weakness of the rectovaginal septum may be congenital as in young nulliparous women. The weakness may be acquired post-obstetrically in normal and traumatic deliveries. During deliveries the levator ani and puborectalis sling are dramatically stretched and in some instances disrupted. The introitus then has a different appearance comparing nulliparous and primiparous women. A rectocele may also be the end result of chronic straining because of constipation.