General anesthesia is usually used for repair of a rectocele or enterocele. You may stay in the hospital from 1 to 2 days. Most people can return to their normal activities in about 6 weeks. Avoid strenuous activity for the first 6 weeks. And increase your activity level gradually.

Normal bowel function returns within 2 to 4 weeks. It is important to avoid constipation during this time. Your doctor will give you special bowel care instructions. But it is important to include sources of fibre and adequate fluids in your diet. Try to drink about 6 to 8 glasses of water a day.

Most people are able to resume sexual intercourse in about 6 weeks.

Surgical repair of rectoceles and enteroceles is used to help symptoms such as pressure from movement of the intestine that pushes against the wall of the vagina, low back pain, and painful intercourse. An enterocele may not cause symptoms until it is so large that it pushes into the middle of the vaginal canal.

Rectocele and enterocele often occur with other pelvic organ prolapse, so tell your doctor about other symptoms you may be having. If your doctor finds a bladder prolapse (cystocele (Figure 3)), urethral prolapse (urethrocele (Figure 4)), or uterine prolapse (Figure 5) during your pelvic examination, that problem can also be repaired during surgery.

Learn more

Figure 3 - Bladder prolapse (cystocele)

A bladder prolapse (cystocele) occurs when the tissues and muscles that hold the bladder in place get weak or damaged. This causes the bladder to move from its normal position and press against the front wall of the vagina. This is also called anterior vaginal wall prolapse.

Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Figure 4 - Urethral prolapse (urethrocele)

The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. When the muscles and tissues that hold the urethra in place get weak or damaged, the urethra can move from its normal position and press against the front wall of the vagina. This is called a urethral prolapse (urethrocele).

It is common for a bladder prolapse (cystocele) to develop along with a urethral prolapse. Both kinds of prolapse can press against the front wall of the vagina. This is also called anterior vaginal wall prolapse.

Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Figure 5 - Uterine prolapse

A uterine prolapse occurs when the muscles and tissues that hold the uterus in place get weak or damaged. This can cause the uterus to move from its normal position and press down into the vagina.

Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.