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Related Concept Videos

Assessment of the Rectum and Anus01:25

Assessment of the Rectum and Anus

Evaluating the rectum and anus plays a crucial role in conducting a thorough physical examination of the gastrointestinal system. Although it may be uncomfortable and often embarrassing for the patient, it holds immense diagnostic value, particularly in detecting gastrointestinal diseases and abnormalities. This guide will explain how to perform this assessment using inspection and palpation methods.
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...
Urologic Endoscopic Procedure: Cystoscopic Examination01:28

Urologic Endoscopic Procedure: Cystoscopic Examination

Meaning of Cystoscopic Examination:Cystoscopy is an essential diagnostic tool in urology that is used to assess the structure and function of the genitourinary system. It provides a direct view of the urethra, bladder, and, in some cases, the ureteral openings. This procedure helps detect structural abnormalities, infections, cancers, and blockages in the urinary tract. There are two types of cystoscopy:Flexible cystoscopy is commonly performed in outpatient settings due to its less invasive...
Muscles of the Pelvic Floor and Perineum01:26

Muscles of the Pelvic Floor and Perineum

The muscles of the pelvic floor and perineum are crucial for supporting the pelvic organs, controlling continence, and aiding in sexual function, childbirth, and core stability. They are typically divided into the superficial perineal layer and the deep pelvic floor layer.
Perineal Layer
The perineum is a diamond-shaped area below the pelvic diaphragm, divided into an anterior urogenital triangle that contains the external genitals and a posterior anal triangle housing the anus. The urogenital...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 25, 2026

Quantification of Levator Ani Hiatus Enlargement by Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Males and Females with Pelvic Organ Prolapse
07:41

Quantification of Levator Ani Hiatus Enlargement by Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Males and Females with Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Published on: April 17, 2019

Rectocele--does the size matter?

Dan Carter1, Marc Beer Gabel

  • 1Neurogastroenterology Unit, Department of Gastroenterology, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel. carterd@zahav.net.il

International Journal of Colorectal Disease
|February 7, 2012
PubMed
Summary

Rectocele size does not correlate with most symptoms of evacuation disorders. Only the ability to evacuate rectoceles is linked to their size, but this finding lacks clinical significance.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Pelvic Floor Disorders
  • Colorectal Surgery

Background:

  • Large rectoceles are often presumed to cause evacuation difficulties, constipation, and rectal pain.
  • The relationship between rectocele size and patient-reported symptoms or objective defecatory parameters requires clarification.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between rectocele size and patient symptoms.
  • To determine if rectocele size correlates with specific defecatory parameters.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of patients evaluated for evacuation disorders.
  • Data collection included patient-reported symptoms (constipation, fecal incontinence, IBS) and objective assessments.
  • Objective assessments utilized dynamic perineal ultrasonography and conventional anorectal manometry.

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Anogenital Distance and Perineal Measurements of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) Quantification System
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Anogenital Distance and Perineal Measurements of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) Quantification System

Published on: September 20, 2018

Vessel-sparing Excision and Primary Anastomosis
08:09

Vessel-sparing Excision and Primary Anastomosis

Published on: January 7, 2019

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 25, 2026

Quantification of Levator Ani Hiatus Enlargement by Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Males and Females with Pelvic Organ Prolapse
07:41

Quantification of Levator Ani Hiatus Enlargement by Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Males and Females with Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Published on: April 17, 2019

Anogenital Distance and Perineal Measurements of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) Quantification System
03:49

Anogenital Distance and Perineal Measurements of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) Quantification System

Published on: September 20, 2018

Vessel-sparing Excision and Primary Anastomosis
08:09

Vessel-sparing Excision and Primary Anastomosis

Published on: January 7, 2019

Main Results:

  • Rectocele was diagnosed in 22% of 487 women, with 87% of these being larger than 2 cm.
  • Rectocele size did not correlate with demographic data, parity, symptom severity, or irritable bowel syndrome diagnosis.
  • While smaller rectoceles were more frequently fully evacuated, this finding lacked clinical significance; no other clinical or anatomical factors were associated with rectocele size.

Conclusions:

  • Rectocele size alone is not significantly associated with common symptoms or anatomical factors in patients with evacuation disorders.
  • The evacuation of rectoceles showed a correlation with size, but this did not translate to clinical significance.
  • Rectocele size may not be a primary indicator for surgical intervention.