The severe stage of rectocele may be detrimental to the patient’s health, but in mild cases symptoms are hardly seen or noticed.
One of the six main types of pelvic organ prolapse, rectocele, may become serious. Its complications may range from simple pelvic pressure to painful bowel movement, fecal incontinence, and even problems in sexual functions. For this reason, it is important that women find some time to immediately tell their doctors of any symptoms that may come about.
When the rectocele is still in its mild form, symptoms may not be obvious to the patient; however, in severe cases, it may really be destructive. In all of the diagnostic tests carried on by doctors, defecography is the most precise, since it is used to examine the movement of the rectum and anus while the patient defecates.
There are steps that should be followed for this procedure. Most importantly, the patient must be informed about the importance of performing the procedure and the discomfort that she may experience during the test. After the patient learns all this, she will be asked to give her consent for the test.
Two hours before the procedure is started, fleet enema may be performed. This may be done by the patient at home or by a medical professional if the patient is admitted in the hospital. Meanwhile, the patient is also instructed on a liquid diet for 24 to 48 hours and restricted from taking anything by mouth two hours before the test. If the patient is currently taking medications, she should tell her doctor about it so proper instructions may be given to her. There are other medications, however, that may be allowed but only with a few sips of water.
The test involves an introduction of barium sulfate through a small tube inserted into the rectum. During the procedure, the patient may experience a feeling of pressure in the rectum or a desire to defecate. The radiopaque agent may be identified by X-ray. During the procedure, the patient will be asked to move in different positions and strain the pelvic muscles like in defecating. The movement of the anus and rectum are differentiated during defecation and at rest. Also, the pelvic floor muscles are assessed as well.
The patient may eat a regular meal immediately after the procedure, unless ordered by doctor to remain on nothing-by-mouth status. The patient should be informed that for a few days following the procedure, they may excrete white stools. Constipation may be evident in some patients since the use of barium sulfate poses dehydration risks. The patient will then be advised to increase water consumption to avoid dehydration complications and to eliminate the barium substance from the body.
After the cause of the symptoms is identified and the doctor comes up with a diagnosis, a plan of action for the management of the patient’s condition may be developed. The use of an artificial device called mesh is the most recent medical discovery which doctors find helpful. But this product, like all else, has disadvantages; it has even led to the hundreds of vaginal mesh implant lawsuits that exist today.
Hip Fractures Common in Women with Prolapse
Doctors point out the need for regular physical evaluation in women, specifically to find out about their pelvic muscle strength and bone density. They need it more when they age 50 and over.
Pelvic Examination: Enough to Diagnose Presence of Prolapse?
You should know that there are series of tests that your doctor will perform to diagnose prolapse, and the first thing that you should be prepared about is the over-all assessment of your pelvic organs.
Sling Attachment during Prolapse Repair: Important?
Patients with pelvic organ prolapse opt for vaginal mesh implantation not only because it immediately puts an end to the embarrassing symptoms they acquire from pelvic organ prolapse, but most importantly because doctors recommend its use.
