Laparoscopic Rectocele Repair Surgery in Bangalore

When is Laparoscopic Rectocele Repair Surgery Recommended?

There are several indications to perform laparoscopic rectocele repair, which are typical for this type of surgery. They include:

• Symptomatic Rectocele: Surgery for this condition is considered if a rectocele is causing symptoms that significantly affect the daily life of a woman, such as discomfort, a sense of pressure or a feeling of fullness in the pelvis, lower back pain, or difficulties with bowel movements, including chronic constipation.
• Sexual Dysfunction: If the rectocele also contributes to a woman's sexual dysfunction, such as pain during intercourse, or if the rectocele is a large one, the surgeon might suggest surgical repair.
• Failed Conservative Treatment: Surgery is usually considered only after failed non-surgical treatments. Most women will be referred to physical therapy, so that they understand how to do a kegel exercise properly and realize, perhaps for the first time in their life, that they are supposed to work on that part of their body, to keep it flexible and strong — just like the rest of their body.
• Complex or Very Large Rectoceles: Very large and complex rectoceles that are severely affecting quality of life, or causing other types of injury such as rectal mucosal prolapse, may be an indication for surgical repair.
• Recurrent Rectocele: If a rectocele reappears after treatment, whether that treatment was surgery, pessary, or a tincture of time, laparoscopic rectocele repair may be offered.

Please know that a consultation with a medical expert is vital to decide if laparoscopic rectocele repair surgery is the right course of action, based on an individual’s symptoms, general physical condition, and specific preferences.

What Happens During Laparoscopic Rectocele Repair Surgery?

Laparoscopic rectocele repair surgery generally consists of the following steps:

• Anesthesia: General anesthesia is used, so you will be asleep and pain-free.
• Creating Access: Small incisions, usually about 0.5 to 1 centimeter in size, are made in the abdomen. These incisions are used for the surgical camera, called a laparoscope, and specially designed surgical instruments.
• Insufflation: Carbon dioxide gas is introduced into the abdominal cavity to provide a better view and more working space for the surgeon.
• Insertion of Laparoscope and Instruments: The laparoscope is placed through one of the small incisions. It sends images to a video monitor. The surgeon looks at the monitor to see the image of the internal organs. While looking at the monitor, the surgeon uses instruments placed through another small incision to do the surgery.
• Repairing the Rectocele: The surgeon finds the rectocele and repairs the weakened wall between the rectum and vagina. This typically involves sewing together the torn or stretched-out pelvic floor muscles and connective tissue. Mesh or graft material is used to reinforce the repair in some cases.
• Checking for Complications: The surgeon looks for any bleeding, bowel, or bladder injuries during the repair.
• Closing Incisions: After the repair is complete, the laparoscope and instruments are removed. The small incisions made will be closed with sutures or staples and covered with bandages.

While the details of your procedure will vary, Laparoscopic Procedures place minimal demand on blood loss, and provide much less postoperative pain and a quicker recovery period. Laparoscopic Procedures also produce minimal scarring compared to traditional open surgery.

Recovery and Aftercare

There are several important parts of recovery and aftercare that you need to understand from your laparoscopic rectocele repair:

• Hospital Stay: Patients are often admitted to the hospital for a short stay (around one to two days) so they can be closely watched for any complications.
• Managing Pain: While you’ll never be pain-free for a gynecologic surgery, you’ll be given prescription medication to minimize discomfort. Take your medication exactly as directed and do not let the pain get out of control. Talk to your doctor if you aren't able to manage your pain.
• Restrictions on Activity: There is no heavy lifting or exercise in the early weeks following surgery. Normal activity levels, such as going back to work, can be resumed gradually at your surgeon's instruction (usually around six weeks).
• Bowel Movements: Constipation is common following this surgery. Avoid constipation by adding fiber to your diet (fiber-rich foods, fruits and vegetables, whole grains) and drinking plenty of fluids. You may need to take a stool softener. Remember not to strain during bowel movements.
• Wound Care: Caring for your surgical incisions is important. Keep your incisions clean and dry and watch for signs of infection. Your surgeon will give you specific instructions.
• Follow-Up Visits: You’ll need to schedule and keep regular visits with your surgeon to monitor how well you are healing.
• Pelvic Floor Exercises: Strengthen your pelvic floor by doing Kegel exercises, if recommended by your surgeon, to help with urinary incontinence.
• Sexual Activity: Your surgeon will give you clearance about when sexual intercourse can be resumed (usually about six weeks), to allow for proper healing. 
• Avoiding Constipation: Maintain a diet high in fiber and fluids to avoid constipation, which strains the repair.
• Rest and Recovery: Take it easy and get plenty of rest during your recovery.

Each patient's recovery will be different, so it's important to follow your doctor's instructions and ask questions if you are unsure about anything. Your healthcare team will give you personalized instructions for your medications, diet, exercise, and return to driving and work based on your surgery, your overall health, and your individual needs.

Why Choose Medfin?

Surgery can be a daunting aspect, and feeling anxious is absolutely normal. The massive amount of information you can get from the internet may confuse you even more. This is where Medfin can help. Leave us the hefty task of finding the best hospital in Bangalore, the finest doctor, and the latest procedure at the lowest cost. Let us take charge while you sit back and focus on your health and recovery. Think surgery! Think Medfin!