Journal article

Publication year: 2009

Pages: 1429-1434

Journal: International Journal of Colorectal Disease

Volume number: 24

Issue number: 12

ISSN: 0179-1958

eISSN: 1432-1262

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00384-009-0790-3

Publisher: Springer

Abstract: 

Widely differing surgical methods have been propagated to correct symptomatic rectocele. With transvaginal rectal repair (TVRR), we evaluate a method to reestablish the continuity of the rectal muscle wall, strengthen the weakened tunica muscularis, and restore normal rectal capacity and function.

Between 1997 and 2003, 102 female patients were treated by TVRR in cases of symptomatic rectocele. Patients without improvement following a stringent conservative treatment for a minimum of 3-6 months were selected for TVRR procedure. Patients with intussusception and slow-transit constipation were excluded from the study. To achieve optimal stabilization of the rectal wall, a transverse gathering of the rectocele was performed by a transvaginal access.

Average patient age was 60.9 years (47-76 years), operation time was 36.5 minutes (29-67 min.), in-hospital treatment lasted 4.1 days (2-7 days), and follow-up was 18.1 months (3-48 months). We observed complications in 11% of cases. Three months after the operation, 81% of the patients were symptom-free or improved. Following an average observation time of 18.1 months (3-48 months), 70% were still symptom-free or improved.

TVRR allows easy access for rectocele repair with a low rate of complications.

Harvard Citation style: Schwandner, T., Roblick, M., Hecker, A., Brom, A., Kierer, W., Padberg, W., et al. (2009) Transvaginal rectal repair: a new treatment option for symptomatic rectocele?, International Journal of Colorectal Disease, 24(12), pp. 1429-1434. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00384-009-0790-3

APA Citation style: Schwandner, T., Roblick, M., Hecker, A., Brom, A., Kierer, W., Padberg, W., & Hirschburger, M. (2009). Transvaginal rectal repair: a new treatment option for symptomatic rectocele?. International Journal of Colorectal Disease. 24(12), 1429-1434. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00384-009-0790-3