Rectocele - Causes and Signs of Rectocele

Rectocele is usually differentiated by the severity of its course:

• first degree - protrusion of the rectum is detected during digital examination in the absence of complaints from the patient;
• second degree - the patient complains of difficult defecation, during digital examination a more pronounced protrusion can be detected;

• third degree - bowel movements become painful, as well as the urge to defecate, complications such as bleeding, anal fissures, etc. develop.

Men can be diagnosed with the posterior form of rectocele, in which the protrusion of the rectum occurs towards the coccyx.

Causes

The main causes of the disease are weakening of the muscular-ligamentous apparatus and increased intra-abdominal pressure.

The following factors contribute to the occurrence of such conditions:

• congenital anatomical defects of the pelvic muscles;
• weakening of the perineal muscles and intestinal changes that occur due to old age;
• frequent, severe constipation;
• multiple vaginal births;
• diseases of the upper respiratory tract, accompanied by a strong cough;
• overweight;
• heavy physical exertion and excessive sports activities.

Symptoms of rectocele

Asymptomatic course of the disease is typical in cases where the protrusion is small in size and can only be detected by digital rectal examination research. When the rectocele becomes larger, patients complain of the following symptoms:

• difficulty emptying the bowels;
• painful defecation;
• after defecation, there is a feeling that the intestines are not completely empty;
• enemas or laxatives must be used to empty the bowels;
• false urge to defecate.

Diagnostics

Diagnostics of rectocele is performed by a proctologist, and includes a number of studies:

• collecting anamnesis and examining the patient;
• palpation of the abdomen to determine pain;
• rectal digital research;
• laboratory tests (general and biochemical blood tests, stool analysis, coprogram);
• X-ray examination of the rectum during defecation (dynamic defectoproctography);
• irrigoscopy of the colon using a contrast agent;
• rectomanoscopy of the rectum using an endoscope;
• colonoscopy, which allows detecting the protrusion of the rectum characteristic of rectocele;
• computer tomography of the abdominal organs;
• ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs.

Treatment of rectocele

At the first stage of rectocele, patients are prescribed a therapeutic diet with a high fiber content, therapeutic exercise. Exercises should be aimed at strengthening the pelvic muscles. Surgical treatment is indicated for more severe stages of the disease, accompanied by pronounced symptoms. After the operation, as well as in the presence of contraindications to surgical intervention, conservative therapy is carried out, including:

• taking antispasmodics and painkillers;
• in the presence of constipation, laxatives are prescribed;
• taking intestinal antibacterial drugs;
• following a diet that excludes dairy products, but with an increased content of fiber and liquid.

Prevention

Prevention of rectocele includes:

• balanced, rational nutrition;
• giving up any bad habits;
• moderate, regular exercise;
• timely prevention and treatment of any pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, including constipation, gastritis, stomach ulcers, etc.;
• avoiding stress and psycho-emotional overload.