A Single-center Experience of Clinical Outcomes of Surgical Management for Rectocele Disease

Abstract

Aim:Different surgical management options have been described for rectocele disease. However, there is no consensus on the best surgical technique and mesh use. In this study, we present the clinical outcomes of patients who received surgical management for rectocele disease.Method:In our study, we analyzed the files of 78 patients who underwent surgery for rectocele between January 2002 and December 2018. We retrospectively reviewed the treatment outcomes and clinical and demographic characteristics of these patients.Results:The mean age of the patients was 52 (range=31-88) years and the mean parity was 3 (range=1-11). The most common complaints were constipation and defecation difficulties. The diagnosis of rectocele was confirmed by a physical examination in 58 patients (75%) and confirmed by defecography in 20 patients (25%). Primary repair was performed in 72 patients (92%), and polypropylene mesh repair was performed with a perineal approach in six patients (8%). Hemorrhage and infection were seen as early complications in only five patients (6.4%). The mean hospital stay was 1.6 (range=1-11) days. The mean follow-up was 54 (range=3-218) months. There was a recurrence in two patients (2.5%).Conclusion:Rectocele can be successfully treated with low morbidity rates when properly diagnosed and managed by appropriate specialists. Factors such as coexisting pelvic floor diseases, age of the patient, and whether the patient is in the reproductive period should be considered when choosing the appropriate surgical technique. Also, clinicians should keep in mind that rectocele is preventable and that incidence can be reduced by lifestyle changes.

Keywords

• rectocele
• surgical treatment
• obstructive defecation