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Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Vessel-sparing Excision and Primary Anastomosis
Published on: January 7, 2019
Changes in bowel function following transanal and transvaginal rectocele repair
Shingo Tsujinaka1, Yasunobu Tsujinaka, Keigo Matsuo
1Department of Coloproctology, Tokatsu-Tsujinaka Hospital, Chiba, Japan.
Aim:
This study was designed to compare preoperative and postoperative bowel functions in patients with rectocele repair.
Methods:
Patients who underwent surgery for rectocele between October 1988 and October 2004 were enrolled. Prior to surgery, the patients were asked to complete a questionnaire regarding evacuation difficulty, itching, fecal incontinence, and the need for digitation. Surgery was performed either transanally (group I) or transvaginally (group II). At follow-up after 12 months, the same questionnaire was obtained in the outpatient clinic or by mail to evaluate preoperative and postoperative changes in bowel function.
Results:
There were 71 patients in group I and 40 patients in group II. The median age was 56 years in group I and 67 years in group II. The evacuation difficulty was significantly improved in both group I (p < 0.001) and group II (p < 0.001). Incontinence to flatus was slightly increased in group I (p = 0.33) and group II (p = 0.6). Incontinence to solid stool was not statistically different in either group. The need for digitation was markedly improved in group I (p < 0.001) and group II (p = 0.0017).
Conclusion:
Although surgery for rectocele potentially increases the risk of fecal incontinence, it may be indicated if presented with evacuation difficulty necessitating digitation.
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