Are there any new, less invasive techniques available or in testing for repair of rectocele?

What type of specialist do you go to for this repair? A general surgeon or a gyno?

Hi Again Roxanne

A rectocele is not a vaginal prolapse. It is a rectal prolapse into the vaginal wall. I am again wondering if you are discussing all of this with your surgeon. Your surgeon and you really should be going over all the possible repair scenarios, prognosis and methods of repair, because they will vary depending on your history and specific situation. If you aren't comfortable with your surgeon or your surgeon's knowledge of current techniques, I suggest you find a new surgeon. It is really important to have a good trusting relationship if you want a good surgical outcome.

That being said, there are quite a few articles if you Google rectocele and then under the more tab, hit scholar. An abstract from the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The anatomic and functional outcomes of defect-specific rectocele repairs, states that, "Sexual function was not affected; however, reports of dyspareunia significantly (P < .04) improved or were cured after the operation in 73% of patients (19/26), worsened in 19% of patients (5/26), and arose de novo in 3 patients. Results showed no other significant differences in vaginal dryness, orgasm ability, sexual desire, sexual frequency, or sexual satisfaction."
http://www.ajog.org/article/S0002-9378%2899%2970376-5/abstract

This would indicate that having sex would be easier and less painful after the surgery than prior. If you have a rectocele, your rectum has a little pouch bulging into the vaginal wall. I believe the norm is not to remove vaginal tissue, but to insert surgical mesh to strengthen the wall between the rectum and vagina to prevent further bulging and correct the rectocele. The mesh may be inserted transvaginally or transrectally, depending on the surgeon and the situation.

If I was in your position, I would talk extensively to the surgeon about the plan for repair and the concerns you clearly have. However, my biggest concern would not be whether it was minimally invasive. That might be my second concern. My first concern would be the success and failure rate of the technique the surgeon plans to use. Sometimes minimally invasive sounds better, but does not enable a surgeon to see the entire anatomical area as well as is desired. Sometimes attempting a small patch-up surgical repair means further surgery down the road. So in your shoes, I would want the best procedure, whether it was minimally invasive or not.

I think it is good to do your own research, but it is more important to have open communication with the person who will do your surgery. It seems you don't quite understand the procedure you are to have, or the terms to describe it. So start with the surgeon, get your information and education there so you understand exactly what repair you need, and then look up information. That way you will better understand what you are looking at.

I wish you luck and if you have further questions, please let us know.

Hi Roxanne,
I am confused about what you are reading, and would love to see your sources. I have not read any information about the need to REMOVE vaginal tissues during surgery.

Severe cases of retocele, from my understanding, do need surgical repair but include the repair -- not removal-- of the vaginal walls. The vaginal tissue is VERY stretchy and resilient, and I am interested to hear more about your story. Did your doctor tell you that a significant portion of your vagina would need to be removed?