Defect-specific rectocele repair: medium-term anatomical, functional and subjective outcomes

Background Rectocele is a herniation of the anterior wall of the rectal ampulla through a defect in the rectovaginal septum causing protrusion of the posterior vaginal wall. Common symptoms include symptoms of prolapse and obstructed defecation. Aims To describe subjective, anatomical and functional results of defect‐specific rectocele repair. Materials and Methods This is an internal audit of 137 women who underwent defect‐specific rectocele repair. Pre‐ and post‐operative assessment included a standardised interview, clinical examination and 3D/4D transperineal ultrasound. Outcome measures were symptoms of obstructed defecation, recurrent prolapse symptoms, clinical posterior compartment recurrence and rectocele recurrence on ultrasound. Results At a mean follow‐up of 1.4 years, 117 (85%) of women considered themselves cured or improved. Thirty‐four (25%) complained of recurrent prolapse symptoms and 47 (34%) symptoms of obstructed defecation, a significant reduction (P