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Excellent outcome using selective criteria for rectocele repair
V K Murthy1, B A Orkin, L E Smith
1Department of Surgery, George Washington University, Washington D.C., USA.
Diseases of the Colon and Rectum
|April 1, 1996
Summary
Careful patient selection for rectocele repair, using specific criteria, leads to excellent clinical outcomes. This approach ensures high patient satisfaction and symptom resolution for rectocele treatment.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Colorectal Surgery
- Pelvic Floor Disorders
Background:
- Rectoceles are common findings during defecography for pelvic floor complaints.
- Many identified rectoceles are asymptomatic, necessitating careful evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review surgical outcomes for rectocele repair.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of highly selective criteria for operative intervention.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of patients undergoing rectocele repair between 1989 and 1994.
- Inclusion criteria focused on symptomatic presentation, including digital support needs or defecographic findings.
- Surgical repair utilized transanal or transabdominal approaches.
Main Results:
- 143 rectoceles identified in 180 defecograms (79%); 33 patients underwent repair.
- Primary indications for repair included need for digital support (58%) and rectocele retention on defecography (55%).
- Postoperative follow-up showed 80% resolution of vaginal bulge symptoms and 92% overall subjective improvement.
Conclusions:
- Rectocele diagnosis is frequent, but not all cases require surgery.
- Applying stringent, specific criteria for rectocele repair surgery yields highly successful clinical results.
- This selective approach contrasts with other reports and emphasizes careful patient selection for optimal outcomes.
