Rectocele Health Dictionary

  1. Health Encyclopedia
  2. Rectocele

Rectocele: From 2 Different Sources

Bulging inwards and downwards of the back wall of the vagina as the rectum pushes against weakened tissues in the vaginal wall.

A rectocele is usually associated with a cystocele or a prolapsed uterus (see uterus, prolapse of).

There may be no symptoms, or the rectocele may cause constipation.

Pelvic floor exercises may help.

If not, an operation to tighten the tissues at the back of the vagina may be recommended.

Health Source: BMA Medical Dictionary
Author: The British Medical Association
(proctocele) n. bulging or pouching of the rectum, usually a forward protrusion of the rectum into the posterior wall of the vagina often in association with prolapse of the uterus. It is repaired by posterior *colporrhaphy.
Health Source: Oxford | Concise Colour Medical Dictionary
Author: Jonathan Law, Elizabeth Martin

Uterus, Prolapse Of

A condition in which the uterus descends from its normal position into the vagina. The degree of prolapse varies from 1st-degree prolapse, in which there is only slight displacement of the uterus, to 3rd-degree prolapse (procidentia), in which the uterus can be seen outside the vulva.

Stretching of the ligaments supporting the uterus (during childbirth, for example) is the most common cause. Prolapse is aggravated by obesity.

There are often no symptoms, but sometimes there is a dragging feeling in the pelvis. Diagnosis is made by physical examination.

Pelvic floor exercises strengthen the muscles of the vagina and thus reduce the risk of a prolapse, especially following childbirth. Treatment usually involves surgery (hysterectomy). Rarely, if surgery is not wanted or is not recommended, a plastic ring-shaped pessary may be inserted into the vagina to hold the uterus in position. (See also cystocele; rectocele; urethrocele.)... uterus, prolapse of

Colporrhaphy

n. an operation designed to remove lax and redundant vaginal tissue and so reduce the diameter of the vagina in cases of prolapse of the base of the bladder (anterior colporrhaphy; see cystocele) or of the rectum (posterior colporrhaphy; see rectocele).... colporrhaphy

Proctocele

n. see rectocele.... proctocele

Health encyclopedia icon Health Encyclopedia

Recent Searches