title: Transvaginal posterior colporrhaphy combined with laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy for isolated Grade III rectocele: a prospective study of 27 patients.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to evaluate prospectively transvaginal posterior colporrhaphy (TPC) combined with laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy (LVR) in patients with a symptomatic isolated rectocele.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients with these complaints underwent dynamic and static MRI. All consecutive patients with a Grade III (4 cm or more) rectocele and without internal/external rectal prolapse, enterocele and external sphincter damage were operated on. The patients completed the Obstructed Defecation Syndrome (ODS) score and the Cleveland Clinic Incontinence Score (CCIS). All tests were repeated after treatment. Dynamic disorders of the pelvic floor detected by MRI were recorded.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In 27 patients [median age 67 (46-73) years], TPC combined with LVR was feasible. Complications were limited to port site infection in two patients. Sexual discomfort (n = 8) due to prolapse diminished in six (75%) patients and in one (4%) de novo dyspareunia developed after treatment. The median follow-up was 12 (10-18) months. The median CCIS was 12 (10-16) before treatment and 8 (7-10) after (P < 0.0001). The median ODS score was 19 (17-23) before and 6 (3-10) after treatment (P < 0.0001). There was no change in urinary symptoms.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  TPC combined with LVR for obstructed defaecation and faecal incontinence in patients with Grade III rectocele significantly relieves the symptoms of these disorders.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Refaja Hospital, Boerhaavestraat 1, Stadskanaal 9501 HE, The Netherlands. sjvanderhagen@refaja.nl
authors.forename: S J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: van der Hagen
authors.forename: W G
authors.initials: WG
authors.lastname: van Gemert
authors.forename: P B
authors.initials: PB
authors.lastname: Soeters
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: de Wet
authors.forename: C G
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: Baeten
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D003248:Constipation / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D013505:Digestive System Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D005242:Fecal Incontinence / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D017773:Pelvic Floor / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D020047:Rectocele / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D013526:Surgical Mesh / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016896:Treatment Outcome