WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for August, 2003: Rectocele Repair, Yes or No?

Rectocele Repair, Yes or No?

From: Confused (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Thu, 7 Aug 2003 12:50:23 -0500 (CDT)

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I have just returned from an appt with a Colorectal Surgeon. I am 35 yrs old, and have had two large babies, both vaginally without episiotomy. Following my son's birth (my second child) I knew something wasn't quite right. I have finally worked up the nerve to find out what's going on, and have been diagnosed with a rectocele. It is not huge, but nor is it terribly minor. Most prevalent symptom is the "splinting" or help I need for going to the bathroom.

Doctor has suggested that fiber and water will help, but that the rectocele will not go away, and may over time get worse. She also indicated that the longevity of the surgical repair work can be about 10 years, meaning I may have to have it done again, if I choose to have it repaired now.

I am trying to find any information I can on the life of this type of repair. As she is a colorectal surgeon, she repairs via the anus wall, vs the vaginal wall. I do suffer from minor to major hemorrhoid flare-ups as well, and some discussion was had about doing both the repair work and the hemohrroidectomy at the same time.

I'm terribly confused and do not know which way to lean. I don't know if I should have the surgery done now, while I'm younger and have better healing powers, and hope for the best. Or do I wait until I'm older, the rectocele gets worse and then have the surgery?

Next message: Aline: "Vaginal and labial pain"
Previous message: Billie: "ogestrel...depresssion and loss of sex drive"
Next in thread: Alicia Lapidus M.D.: "Re: ctocele Repair, Yes or No?"
Reply: Alicia Lapidus M.D.: "Re: ctocele Repair, Yes or No?"

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