Purpose: 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.
Methods: 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.
Results: 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.
Conclusions: TVRR allows easy access for rectocele repair with a low rate of complications.