What to expect from pelvic floor repair surgery for rectocele

A rectocele, also called posterior wall prolapse, occurs when the tissue supporting the back wall of the vagina becomes weak and the rectum presses forward. Before surgery, your clinician asks about difficulty emptying the bowel, splinting, pressure and sexual discomfort, and checks whether another prolapse is present. The repair usually brings stretched supporting tissue together through a vaginal approach; the technique is individualised.

After the operation, expect soreness and some bleeding. Bowel movements may feel different while swelling settles. Pain relief and a plan to keep stools soft help reduce pressure on the repair.

Prepare meals and arrange help so you do not need to lift or strain. Drink fluids, eat fibre if suitable for you, and use any bowel medicine prescribed by your team. Walk gently when advised, but avoid pushing during bowel movements, heavy lifting, vigorous exercise and vaginal insertion until reviewed. Report severe constipation rather than trying repeated self-treatment.

Seek prompt help for heavy bleeding, fever, worsening pain, foul-smelling discharge, inability to pass stool or urine, vomiting, or a swollen painful leg. Persistent difficulty emptying the bowel, renewed bulging or loss of bowel control deserves clinical review.

Ask how the rectocele affects your bowel symptoms, what bowel regimen to use, how long lifting is restricted, and when sex, driving and exercise can be resumed.