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Obstetrics22 papers

Prolapse of uterus with rectocele

Last edited: 4/15/2026

Overview

Prolapse of the uterus with rectocele involves descent of the uterine apex and posterior vaginal wall, often necessitating surgical intervention when conservative measures fail. 12

Diagnosis

  • Primary diagnosis often includes uterovaginal prolapse 1.
  • Rectocele identified in a subset of patients with uterovaginal prolapse 2.
  • ICD codes used for identification in retrospective studies 12.
  • Management

  • First-line: Conservative management including pelvic floor exercises and pessary use 12 (no specific drug classes mentioned).
  • Surgical: Concurrent apical support procedures recommended during hysterectomy for improved outcomes 12.
  • Adjunctive: Combined cystocele and rectocele repair often performed alongside apical support in selected cases 2.
  • Special Populations

  • Surgeon Training: Higher likelihood of performing apical support procedures by urogynecologists and minimally invasive gynecologists compared to generalists 2.
  • Elderly: Specific considerations not detailed in provided abstracts 12.
  • Key Recommendations

  • Consider concurrent apical support procedures during hysterectomy for uterovavaginal prolapse to enhance surgical outcomes 12 (Evidence: Moderate).
  • Urogynecologists and minimally invasive gynecologists are more likely to perform apical support procedures; surgeon expertise influences procedure choice 2 (Evidence: Moderate).
  • Patients without apical procedures are less frequently treated for rectocele, suggesting tailored surgical approaches based on prolapse type 2 (Evidence: Moderate).
  • References

    1 Putman JG, Meister MR, Lenger SM, Lowder JL. Regional Performance of Apical Support Procedures at Time of Hysterectomy for Benign Indications: What Is the Role of Surgeon Training?. Female pelvic medicine & reconstructive surgery 2021. link 2 Kantartzis KL, Turner LC, Shepherd JP, Wang L, Winger DG, Lowder JL. Apical support at the time of hysterectomy for uterovaginal prolapse. International urogynecology journal 2015. link

    Original source

    1. [1]
      Regional Performance of Apical Support Procedures at Time of Hysterectomy for Benign Indications: What Is the Role of Surgeon Training?Putman JG, Meister MR, Lenger SM, Lowder JL Female pelvic medicine & reconstructive surgery (2021)
    2. [2]
      Apical support at the time of hysterectomy for uterovaginal prolapse.Kantartzis KL, Turner LC, Shepherd JP, Wang L, Winger DG, Lowder JL International urogynecology journal (2015)

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