Symptomatic rectocele: What are the indications for repair?

Glenn M. Hall, Skandan Shanmugan, Tamar Nobel, Raj Paspulati, Conor P. Delaney, Harry L. Reynolds, Sharon L. Stein, Bradley J. Champagne

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

21 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background The surgical indications for symptomatic rectocele are undefined, and surgery has high recurrence rates. We implemented magnetic resonance imaging defecography (MRID) to determine if utilizing strict inclusion criteria for rectocele repair improves outcomes. Methods Patients with obstructive defecation syndrome (ODS) who underwent dynamic MRID were evaluated. Indications for surgical repair were defecation requiring manual assistance and the following MRID results: anterior defect >2 cm, incomplete evacuation, and the absence of perineal descent. Primary outcomes were the change in quality of life (QOL) scores and recurrence. Results From 2006 to 2013, 143 patients who presented with ODS underwent MRID. Seventeen patients met the criteria for repair. Recurrence was low (5.8%) with a median follow-up of 23 months, QOL scores improved from 57.3 to 76.5 (P =.041). Conclusions A minority of patients (12%) with ODS met the above criteria for rectocele repair. Patients who underwent repair had a significant improvement in QOL and low recurrence rate.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)375-379
Number of pages5
JournalAmerican Journal of Surgery
Volume207
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2014
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Magnetic resonance imaging defecography (MRID)
  • Obstructive defecation syndrome (ODS)
  • Rectocele
  • Stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR)

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