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Journal of Gynecology Obstetrics and... Apr 2022To evaluate anatomical and functional results at one year of midline rectovaginal fascial plication (MFP) for rectocele. (Observational Study)
Observational Study
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate anatomical and functional results at one year of midline rectovaginal fascial plication (MFP) for rectocele.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Single-center observational study performed in a gynecologic-obstetrics department of a university hospital. Inclusion criteria were patients with isolated or associated rectocele treated by MFP. The success rate defined by a Bp point < 0 cm, improvement of symptoms, and satisfaction were evaluated at one year. Quality of life questionnaires were distributed pre- and postoperatively at one year.
RESULTS
34/46 (74%) patients were interviewed pre and postoperatively including a POPQ evaluation in only 30 patients. Anatomical success rate was 28/30 (93%) (p < 0.0001). There was an improvement in the sensation of vaginal bulge with 22/34 patients (65%) no longer having this symptom (p < 0.0001) and only one patient (1/34, 3%) underwent surgery for recurrence of the rectocele. 24/34 patients (71%) were satisfied with their surgery at one year.
CONCLUSION
Anatomical and functional results of MFP for rectocele are encouraging and must be confirmed on a longer follow up.
Topics: Female; Gynecologic Surgical Procedures; Humans; Quality of Life; Rectocele; Treatment Outcome; Vagina
PubMed: 35101616
DOI: 10.1016/j.jogoh.2022.102327 -
Scientific Reports Mar 2020We aimed to investigate the prevalence of true rectocele and obstructed defecation (OD) in patients with pelvic organ prolapse (POP), to investigate the correlation...
We aimed to investigate the prevalence of true rectocele and obstructed defecation (OD) in patients with pelvic organ prolapse (POP), to investigate the correlation between true rectocele and OD, and to understand the diagnostic value of translabial ultrasound (TLUS) in the diagnosis of true rectocele. The patients who scheduled for POP surgery were enrolled in this study. Patients who had previous reconstructive pelvic surgery or repair of rectocele were excluded. Birmingham Bowel and Urinary symptoms questionnaires and Longo's obstructed defecation syndrome scoring system were used to assess the bowel symptoms of patients. TLUS was used to evaluate anatomical defects. P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant, and confidence intervals were set at 95%. 279 patients were included into this study. The prevalence rate of OD was 43%, and the average value of ODS score was 6.67. 17% patients presented straining at stool, 33% presented incomplete emptying, 13% presented digitations, and 12% required laxatives or enema. The prevalence rate of true rectocele was 23%. Defecation symptoms were significantly correlated with age, levator-ani hiatus, levator-ani muscle injury and true rectocele. Logistic regression showed that true rectocele and increased levator-ani hiatus were independent risk factors of OD. True rectocele was significantly correlated with straining at stool, digitation, incomplete emptying and requirement of laxatives or enema.In POP patients, the prevalence rate of true rectocele and OD was 23% and 43%, respectively. True rectocele was related to OD. TLUS was a valuable approach in anatomical evaluation of POP.
Topics: Constipation; Cross-Sectional Studies; Defecation; Female; Humans; Pelvic Organ Prolapse; Rectocele; Rectum; Surveys and Questionnaires; Ultrasonography
PubMed: 32221359
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-62376-2 -
Gastroenterology Report Oct 2021Transperineal ultrasonography has been used as a diagnostic imaging modality for rectocele for many years. However, the consistency of ultrasonography and defecography...
BACKGROUND
Transperineal ultrasonography has been used as a diagnostic imaging modality for rectocele for many years. However, the consistency of ultrasonography and defecography in evaluating the severity of rectocele was not satisfactory. This study aimed to evaluate the agreement in the measurement of rectocele parameters between the two methods in different positions and provide clinical implications for the diagnosis of rectocele.
METHODS
In this pilot study, participants were recruited in an outpatient clinic of a tertiary hospital between December 2017 and December 2019. All participants separately underwent defecation proctography at sitting and squatting positions, and undertook transperineal ultrasonography at left lateral, sitting, and squatting positions. The consistency of ultrasonography and defecography was evaluated.
RESULTS
Thirty female volunteers with rectocele were included in this study. The degree of anorectal angle was significantly larger at rest and during contraction, maximal Valsalva, and evacuation; the depth of the rectocele was significantly deeper during maximal Valsalva and evacuation; and the length of the perineum descending was significantly longer during contraction and maximal Valsalva in using squatting position compared to the sitting position when performing the defecation proctography. The degree of anorectal angle, the depth of rectocele, the area of levator hiatus, and the volume of the rectocele were significantly different in using squatting, sitting, and left lateral positions when performing the transperineal ultrasonography. Bland-Altman semi-quantitative plots showed good consistency in the measurement of the anorectal angle and the depth of the rectocele between proctography and ultrasonography in both sitting and squatting positions.
CONCLUSIONS
The findings of our study may be considered as the preliminary evidence to support the use of transperineal ultrasonography with sitting and squatting positions as the imaging test of choice for evaluating patients with rectocele.
PubMed: 34733532
DOI: 10.1093/gastro/goab019 -
Journal of Visceral Surgery Apr 2021Rectocele is defined as a hernia of the rectum with protrusion of the anterior rectal wall through the posterior wall of the vagina. This condition occurs commonly, with...
Rectocele is defined as a hernia of the rectum with protrusion of the anterior rectal wall through the posterior wall of the vagina. This condition occurs commonly, with an estimated prevalence of 30-50% of women over age 50. The symptomatology that leads to consultation is variable but consists predominantly of anorectal and/or gynecological complaints such as dyschezia, requiring digital disimpaction maneuvers, pelvic heaviness, anal incontinence, or dyspareunia. Rectocele may be isolated or associated with other disorders of pelvic stasis involving cystocele and uterine prolapse. Complementary exams (dynamic imaging and anorectal manometry) are essential before deciding on the surgical management of this condition. The indications for surgical management of rectocele are based on the intensity of symptoms and the resulting deterioration in quality of life, and surgery should be discussed after failure of medical treatment. Different approaches are possible, although there is currently no real consensus in the literature. The initial approach depends on the type of rectocele: if it involves the low or mid rectum or is isolated, an approach from below (transanal, transperineal, or transvaginal approach) can be proposed, while, in the presence of a high rectocele and/or associated with various disorders of pelvic stasis, transabdominal rectopexy is more suitable.
Topics: Constipation; Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Quality of Life; Rectocele; Rectum; Vagina
PubMed: 33495108
DOI: 10.1016/j.jviscsurg.2020.10.001 -
Abdominal Radiology (New York) Apr 2021To compare prevalence and severity of multi-compartment pelvic floor dysfunction between supine magnetic resonance defecography with defecation (MRD) and supine dynamic...
PURPOSE
To compare prevalence and severity of multi-compartment pelvic floor dysfunction between supine magnetic resonance defecography with defecation (MRD) and supine dynamic MRI during Valsalva, both with and without rectal distention.
METHODS
This was an IRB-approved, HIPAA-compliant retrospective review of consecutive patients referred for MR Defecography. MRD protocol included imaging at rest, during pre-defecation Valsalva (Pre-DV), defecation (Def), and post-defecation Valsalva (Post-DV). The Post-DV images were performed after complete evacuation either during the defecation acquisition or, in cases where patient was unable to defecate during the examination, in a conventional toilet. Size of cystocele, vaginal prolapse, anorectal (AR) descent, and enterocele were measured on all acquisitions relative to the pubococcygeal line. Rectocele size was recorded in anteroposterior dimension. The presence or absence of rectal intussusception (RI) was documented. The prevalence, absolute size, and grades of prolapse, rectocele, and RI were compared between the acquisitions using pair-wise ANOVA, Friedman, Dunn pair-wise, and Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel tests.
RESULTS
30 patients were included in the final analysis. Higher prevalence of cystocele, vaginal prolapse, enterocele, AR descent grade 2 or higher, rectocele grade 2 or higher, and RI were seen on Def compared to Post-DV and Pre-DV. Cystocele, vaginal prolapse, enterocele, AR descent, and rectocele sizes were significantly larger on Def compared to Post-DV by 0.7-1.95 cm (p ≤ 0.007). Prolapse in all compartments and rectocele size were significantly larger on Def compared to Pre-DV (p < 0.0001). Cystocele, vaginal prolapse, and enterocele sizes were significantly larger on Post-DV compared to Pre-DV (p < 0.0001). There were significant differences in grading of all types of prolapse and rectocele between the various acquisitions of MRD (p < 0.0001). Cystocele, AR descent, and rectocele grades were significantly higher on Def compared to Post-DV (p range ≤ 0.0002). Grading of all types of prolapse and rectocele was significantly higher on Def compared to Pre-DV (p < 0.0001). Cystocele, vaginal prolapse, and enterocele grades were all significantly higher on Post-DV compared to Pre-DV (p ≤ 0.0007).
CONCLUSION
Defecation images during supine MRD elicit higher prevalence and size of prolapse of all pelvic compartments in comparison to both pre- and post-defecation Valsalva images. Post-defecation Valsalva images show larger size of anterior and middle compartment prolapse than pre-defecation Valsalva images. Functional evaluation of pelvic floor dysfunction with MRI should include image acquisition during defecation. If Valsalva images are acquired, these should be performed after the defecation acquisition and without rectal distention.
Topics: Defecation; Defecography; Female; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Pelvic Floor; Retrospective Studies; Valsalva Maneuver
PubMed: 31494706
DOI: 10.1007/s00261-019-02208-8 -
Neurourology and Urodynamics Jan 2020Oxygen plays a crucial role in wound healing after prolapse surgery. Trauma to the vaginal vasculature might limit the delivery of oxygen to the surgical wound, which...
AIMS
Oxygen plays a crucial role in wound healing after prolapse surgery. Trauma to the vaginal vasculature might limit the delivery of oxygen to the surgical wound, which may negatively affect wound healing and regeneration of connective tissue. This possibly increases the future risk of recurrence. We aimed to determine the effects of vaginal prolapse surgery on the microcirculation of the vaginal wall.
METHODS
We evaluated the vaginal microcirculation in healthy participants without known vascular disease undergoing anterior and/or posterior colporrhaphy. We used incident dark-field imaging for in vivo assessment before and after (1 day, 2 weeks, and 6 weeks) surgery. We studied perfusion (microvascular flow index [MFI]), angioarchitecture (morphology/layout of microvessels) and capillary density.
RESULTS
Ten women were included. Interindividual differences were observed 1 day postoperatively with regard to perfusion and angioarchitecture. Microvascular flow at the surgical site was absent or significantly reduced in some participants, whereas normal microvascular flow was observed in others (MFI range 0-3). Perfusion and angioarchitecture had been restored in all participants after 6 weeks (MFI range 2-3), regardless of the extent of vascular trauma 1 day postoperatively.
CONCLUSIONS
The difference in the extent of vascular trauma between women undergoing seemingly identical surgical procedures suggests that some individuals are more susceptible to vascular trauma than others. Delivery of oxygen to the wound and subsequent wound healing may be compromised in these cases, which could be related to the development of anatomical recurrence. Future studies should investigate whether there is a relationship between the vaginal microvasculature and the recurrence of prolapse.
Topics: Aged; Female; Gynecologic Surgical Procedures; Humans; Microcirculation; Microvessels; Middle Aged; Pelvic Organ Prolapse; Recurrence; Surgical Mesh; Vagina
PubMed: 31691336
DOI: 10.1002/nau.24203 -
Annals of Coloproctology Nov 2022This study was performed to assess the long-term annual functional outcomes and quality of life (QOL) after transanal rectocele repair.
PURPOSE
This study was performed to assess the long-term annual functional outcomes and quality of life (QOL) after transanal rectocele repair.
METHODS
We evaluated retrospectively collected data from patients who underwent transanal repair for symptomatic rectocele between February 2012 and December 2018. The Constipation Scoring System (CSS), the Fecal Incontinence Severity Index (FISI), and several QOL questionnaires (e.g., the Patient Assessment of Constipation-QOL [PAC-QOL], Fecal Incontinence QOL, and the 36-Item Short Form Survey [SF-36]) were administered before surgery and annually after surgery. Additionally, physiological assessments and defecography were performed before and after surgery. Substantial symptom improvement, indicated by at least a 50% reduction in the CSS or FISI score, was evaluated postoperatively. All postoperative follow-up results were compared with the preoperative data.
RESULTS
Thirty-two patients were included in the study. The median follow-up period was 5 years (range, 0.5-7 years). Postoperative defecography showed that the rectocele size significantly decreased (P<0.0001). However, the physiological assessment did not reveal postoperative changes. The CSS score 1 year after surgery was significantly lower than the preoperative score (P<0.0001) and remained significantly low until the long-term follow-up. Constipation improved by more than 80% 2 to 5 years postoperatively, and fecal incontinence improved in 2/3 of the patients after 5 years. The PAC-QOL scores significantly improved (all P<0.05) over time until the 3-year and long-term follow-ups, and 6 of the 8 SF-36 scores significantly improved at specific points postoperatively.
CONCLUSION
Transanal rectocele repair provides long-term improvement for constipation and constipation-specific QOL.
PubMed: 36377333
DOI: 10.3393/ac.2022.00283.0040 -
Radiologie (Heidelberg, Germany) Nov 2023Magnetic resonance defecography (MRD) plays a central role in diagnosing pelvic floor functional disorders by visualizing the entire pelvic floor along with pelvic... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Magnetic resonance defecography (MRD) plays a central role in diagnosing pelvic floor functional disorders by visualizing the entire pelvic floor along with pelvic organs and providing functional assessment of the defecation process. A shared understanding between radiology and surgery regarding indications and interpretation of findings is crucial for optimal utilization of MRD.
OBJECTIVES
This review aims to explain the indications for MRD from a surgical perspective and elucidate the significance of radiological findings for treatment. It intends to clarify for which symptoms MRD is appropriate and which criteria should be followed for standardized results. This is prerequisite to develop interdisciplinary therapeutic approaches.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A comprehensive literature search was conducted, including current consensus guidelines.
RESULTS
MRD can provide relevant findings in the diagnosis of fecal incontinence and obstructed defecation syndrome, particularly in cases of pelvic floor descent, enterocele, intussusception, and pelvic floor dyssynergia. However, rectocele findings in MRD should be interpreted with caution in order to avoid overdiagnosis.
CONCLUSION
MRD findings should never be considered in isolation but rather in conjunction with patient history, clinical examination, and symptomatology since morphology and functional complaints may not always correlate, and there is wide variance of normal values. Interdisciplinary interpretation of MRD results involving radiology, surgery, gynecology, and urology, preferably in the context of pelvic floor conferences, is recommended.
Topics: Female; Humans; Defecography; Pelvic Floor; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Rectocele; Pelvic Floor Disorders; Surgeons
PubMed: 37831101
DOI: 10.1007/s00117-023-01213-9 -
Urology Mar 2023There is limited data regarding the use of mesh for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) repair in young women of childbearing age who wish to preserve their uterus....
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE
There is limited data regarding the use of mesh for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) repair in young women of childbearing age who wish to preserve their uterus. Sacrohysteropexy with concurrent rectopexy can be performed in this population with a biologic graft, to decrease the risk of contamination with colorectal surgery and allow for future pregnancy. The objective of this video is to present the surgical management of prolapse repair in a young woman with uterine and rectosigmoid prolapse, causing rectal outlet obstruction.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Our patient is a 21-year-old woman with over a decade of severe constipation. Her past medical history includes anxiety, depression and sexual abuse. She previously underwent robotic rectopexy for intra-rectal intussusception and mucosal prolapse with immediate improvement in her symptoms; however, two months after rectopexy, she suffered from persistent abdominal pain and severe difficulty passing stool. Dynamic resonance imaging demonstrated descent of the bladder with significant uterine prolapse, causing impingement of rectum and rectocele, blocking the evacuation of stool. The patient was thus indicated for concurrent sacrohysteropexy and rectopexy.
RESULTS
She underwent a robotic procedure. Given her age, in an effort to preserve future child-bearing potential, we performed the surgery with a biologic graft made of fascia lata. For the sacrohysteropexy, the graft was sutured to the posterior cervix. Intraoperatively she was noted to have an intact enterocele repair and posterior rectopexy from her previous surgery; however, there was an angulation at the recto sigmoid. This was corrected by performing a rectopexy to the fascia lata graft. She discharged home the day of surgery without incident.
CONCLUSION
Biologic grafts can be used for multi compartment prolapse repair in women of child-bearing age. Fascia lata provides a safe alternative to mesh to allow for future pregnancy. Also, sacrohysteropexy with concurrent rectopexy can be performed with same day discharge.
Topics: Humans; Pregnancy; Female; Young Adult; Adult; Rectal Prolapse; Robotic Surgical Procedures; Fascia Lata; Treatment Outcome; Rectum; Uterus; Biological Products; Surgical Mesh; Laparoscopy
PubMed: 36577453
DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2022.12.015 -
Surgery Dec 2022Patients with obstructed defecation syndrome may present with a wide spectrum of disorders. The iceberg diagram, which focuses on the underlying occult diseases, has...
BACKGROUND
Patients with obstructed defecation syndrome may present with a wide spectrum of disorders. The iceberg diagram, which focuses on the underlying occult diseases, has been proposed for an accurate diagnosis. The iceberg diagram deals with lesions, which, if neglected, may worsen the prognosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of using the iceberg diagram on the clinical results.
METHODS
Patients operated for obstructed defecation syndrome based on the iceberg diagram between 2008 and 2018 were evaluated pre- and postsurgery. All patients underwent psychosomatic assessment, abdominal and perineal examination, proctoscopy, vaginoscopy, transanal ultrasound, and defecography. Postoperative complications were also evaluated.
RESULTS
Of the 80 operated patients, 73 were females; median age was 47 (range 26-78) years. All had a rectal internal mucosal prolapse and 85% had a rectocele. The most frequent occult diseases were functional (mental distress [46%]) or organic (colpo-cysto-enterocele [44%]). Surgery was tailored according to the iceberg diagram with prolapsectomy and rectocele repair the most commonly used among 8 different procedures. A total of 14% of patients had a postoperative complication. Median follow-up was 72 months. Obstructed defecation syndrome score significantly decreased from 10.5 ± 4.8 (mean + standard deviation) to 3.4 ± 3.6 (P < .01) and 68% of patients reported to be either improved or cured.
CONCLUSION
The use of the iceberg diagram in obstructed defecation syndrome patients assists in identifying latent "submerged lesions' that may negatively impact the functional outcome of surgery. A clinical approach to patients with obstructed defecation syndrome tailored according to the iceberg diagram allows the identification of occult lesions and to achieve good long-term results.
Topics: Female; Humans; Adult; Middle Aged; Aged; Male; Rectocele; Defecography; Defecation; Syndrome; Postoperative Complications; Constipation; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 36208984
DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2022.05.030