title: Changes in bowel symptoms 1 year after rectocele repair.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We sought to evaluate changes in bowel symptoms after rectocele repair and identify risk factors for persistent symptoms.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted ancillary analysis of a randomized surgical trial for rectocele repair. Subjects underwent examinations and completed questionnaires for bowel symptoms at baseline and 12 months postoperatively. Outcomes included resolution, persistence, or de novo bowel symptoms. We used multiple logistic regression to identify risk factors for bowel symptom persistence.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 160 women enrolled: 139 had baseline bowel symptoms and 85% had 12-month data. The prevalence of bowel symptoms decreased after rectocele repair (56% vs 23% splinting, 74% vs 37% straining, 85% vs 19% incomplete evacuation, 66% vs 14% obstructive defecation; P < .001 for all). On multiple logistic regression, a longer history of splinting was a risk factor for persistent postoperative splinting (adjusted odds ratio, 2.25; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-4.93).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Bowel symptoms may improve after rectocele repair, but almost half of women will have persistent symptoms.
authors: Division of Urogynecology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
authors: Vivian W
authors: VW
authors: Sung
authors: Charles R
authors: CR
authors: Rardin
authors: Christina A
authors: CA
authors: Raker
authors: Christine A
authors: CA
authors: LaSala
authors: Deborah L
authors: DL
authors: Myers
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003248:Constipation / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D003672:Defecation; D005242:Fecal Incontinence / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007422:Intestines / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011184:Postoperative Period; D020047:Rectocele / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome