Rectocoele Repair

When is a rectocoele repair performed?
A rectocoele repair is performed when patients have a large bulge from the rectum pushing into the back of the vagina associated with significant symptoms. It is often associated with other problems and is fixed as part of a bigger operation. When it is an isolated problem, your surgeon might recommend a rectocoele repair.

How does the operation work?
The operation involves a general anaesthetic and takes about 40 minutes to perform. The operation is performed through the back passage and no scars will be visible from the outside. The lining of the bowel is partially stripped away before the muscle wall of the bowel is plicated or buttressed to tighten up the tissue between rectum and vagina.

What is the recovery like after the operation?
Typically, patients are either allowed home immediately after surgery or after one night in hospital. There is not usually too much discomfort after surgery but patients may experience a bit of bleeding or discharge from the back passage.

What are the results like from surgery?
Around three quarters of patients will find that their rectocoele symptoms are significantly improved or cured by surgery.