What is Cystocele and Rectocele Repair?

A cystocele occurs when part of the bladder wall bulges into the vagina. The bulge happens through a defect in the tissue between the bladder and vagina.

Cystocele © 2009 Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

A rectocele occurs when part of the wall of the rectum bulges into the vagina. The bulge happens through a defect in the tissue between the rectum and vagina.

Rectocele © 2009 Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

These form because of a problem with pelvic support tissues (eg, fascia, ligaments, and muscle).

These repairs are done to stop symptoms like problems going to the bathroom, urine leakage, or pain during sex. Most often, this type of surgery is not done until other treatments have been tried. Other treatments may include muscle exercises and the insertion of a pessary device (a device put into the vagina to try to push the bladder or rectum back into place). If you have tried these treatments and experienced no relief, your doctor may suggest surgical repair.

Possible Complications

Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have this type of repair, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:

• Adverse reaction to anesthesia
• Infection
• Bleeding
• Accidental damage to vagina, rectum, and bladder
• Accidental damage to nearby organs

Call Your Doctor

After you leave the hospital, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:

• Signs of infection, including fever and chills
• Excessive bleeding, or any discharge from the incision site
• Unusually heavy vaginal bleeding, or foul-smelling discharge from the vagina
• Nausea or vomiting
• Pain that you cannot control with the medicines you have been given
• Inability to pass...