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Results of anterior levatorplasty for rectocele
Author(s) -
Lamah M.,
Ho J.,
Leicester R. J.
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
colorectal disease
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.029
H-Index - 89
eISSN - 1463-1318
pISSN - 1462-8910
DOI - 10.1046/j.1463-1318.2001.00245.x
Subject(s) - medicine , sexual function , defecation , patient satisfaction , surgery
Objective Transanal and transvaginal repair of rectocele have been advocated in the treatment of rectocele, with mixed results. The aim of this study was to assess our experience using anterior levatorplasty in the surgical management of rectocele. Patients and methods Sixty of 90 women who had undergone anterior levatorplasty for rectocele over a seven year period were traced, and 44 (33 with rectocele only and 11 with rectocele and faecal incontinence) responded to a standardized questionnaire 6 months to 7 years (mean 3.5 years) after anterior levatorplasty. Results were expressed in general and specific improvement of symptoms and were classified as excellent, good, fair, or poor. The effects on social activities, sexual function, and employment were also assessed. Results General satisfaction with the operation was rated as good or excellent in 27 of 33 (82%) and 18 of 24 (75%) patients with rectocele only at 2 and 3.2 years follow‐up, respectively, and in 7 of 11 (64%) and 5 of 11 (45%) patients with rectocele and faecal incontinence at 2 and 4 years follow‐up, respectively. 31 (70%) and 34 (77%) of all patients reported an improvement in sensation and the ability to defaecate, respectively. An improvement in social activities, sexual satisfaction and employment was noted in 10 of 21 (48%), 10 of 23 (43%), and 7 of 12 (58%) patients, respectively. Conclusion Anterior levatorplasty provides good short and long‐term symptomatic improvement in patients with rectocele and avoids complications associated with rectal or vaginal approaches.