Vaginal repair of rectocele after dynamic graciloplasty for fecal incontinence due to imperforate anus

Int J Colorectal Dis. 1996;11(5):243-5. doi: 10.1007/s003840050054.

Abstract

A 35-years-old woman developed obstructed defecation due to a large (6 cm) non-emptying rectocele one year after successful electrostimulated gracilis neosphincter operation for correction of fecal incontinence after surgery for imperforate anus. Surgical correction of the rectocele was performed by a trans-vaginal approach due to the poor elasticity of the neoanus and avoidance of possible damage to the neosphincter. After physiological investigations, including defecography, the patient had a resection of the posterior vaginal mucosal wall, a double layer plication of the muscular wall with non-absorbable suture and a longitudinal mucosal suture. The postoperative course was uneventful. Defecography, performed 3 and 6 months later, showed a marked reduction of the rectocele (2 cm) which corresponded to clinical improvement. Occurrence of disabling rectocele can be considered a possible long term complication after successful electrostimulated neosphincter procedure in patients at risk for developing a rectocele; a successful repair can be obtained using trans-vaginal approach without the risk of neosphincter damage. Transvaginal repair of rectocele in similar clinical situations may be recommended.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anal Canal / surgery*
  • Anus, Imperforate / complications
  • Anus, Imperforate / physiopathology
  • Anus, Imperforate / surgery*
  • Defecation
  • Electric Stimulation Therapy
  • Fecal Incontinence / complications
  • Fecal Incontinence / etiology
  • Fecal Incontinence / physiopathology
  • Fecal Incontinence / surgery*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Methods
  • Muscle, Skeletal / transplantation*
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology
  • Postoperative Complications / physiopathology
  • Postoperative Complications / surgery*
  • Rectal Prolapse / etiology
  • Rectal Prolapse / physiopathology
  • Rectal Prolapse / surgery*
  • Vagina / surgery*