Can I Drive After Rectocele Repair?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Do not drive for 24 hours after surgery

. Do not drive if you require narcotic pain medications. Anticipate pain, bruising and muscle soreness after surgery, especially for the first 3 to 7 days.

Can you drive after prolapse surgery?


You should not drive until you can easily turn in your seat without discomfort and can safely perform an emergency stop

, this is usually about 2 -4 weeks after surgery. You can return to work 4-6 weeks after the operation depending on your job.

How long does it take to heal from a rectocele repair?

Typical recovery for the procedure is

2-3 weeks

. Your doctor may prescribe pain medication to make you feel more comfortable. You can expect to resume normal physical activity within hours of your procedure. But you should not have sex until 6 weeks after surgery.

How will I feel after rectocele surgery?

The most common postoperative symptom after rectocele repair is

rectal pressure and discomfort

. This should resolve over several weeks as the tissue heals. The success for this procedure to correct the bulge is over 80-90 percent depending on the technique used.

How do you poop after rectocele surgery?

  1. Sit on the toilet seat (never hover)
  2. Place your feet flat on the floor.
  3. Rest your hands or forearms on your thighs to support your trunk.
  4. Lean your trunk forwards.
  5. Keep the inward curve in your lower back during emptying (see bowel emptying position above)

Is a rectocele repair painful?


The most common postoperative symptom after rectocele repair is rectal pressure and discomfort

. This should resolve over several weeks as the tissue heals. The success for this procedure to correct the bulge is over 80-90 percent depending on the technique used.

How successful is rectocele repair?

Studies show about

75% to 90% of patients have significant improvement

but this level of satisfaction decreases over time.

What is considered a large rectocele?

If a rectocele is present, this study can document the size and the ability to completely empty the rectum. In general, if the rectocele is

larger than 2 centimeters and/or has significant retention of contrast

, it is considered abnormal.

How do I know if my rectocele repair has failed?

The presence of the following five symptoms was evaluated:

prolonged and unsuccessful straining at stool, feelings of incomplete evacuation, manual assistance during defecation, false urge to defecate, and a stool frequency of less than three times per week

.

How painful is prolapse surgery?

Usually the graft is anchored to the muscles of the pelvic floor. Generally this surgery is

not very painful

. You may feel as if you have been ‘riding on a horseback’. You will have some discomfort and pain, so please do not hesitate to take pain medication.

How far can I walk after prolapse surgery?

Most women are can walk

a short distance to their bathroom or hospital corridor on the day after surgery

. Others find they can manage a couple of minutes standing and walking on the spot (lifting one leg after another) before returning to bed.

How long does a prolapse repair last?

Median follow-up was

136.7 months (range 75.8–258 months)

. Apical prolapse cure rate was 100%. The success rate for anterior and posterior vaginal compartment was 96 and 94% respectively. Urinary and sexual symptoms significantly improved.

How long is hospital stay after rectocele surgery?

What happens after the procedure? You may stay in the hospital anywhere from

2 to 6 days

. The catheter may remain in your bladder 2 to 6 days or until your bladder starts working normally again. You may be constipated during this time.

How serious is a rectocele?

A rectocele may not cause symptoms. Or, you may notice a bulge in your vagina when you strain or bear down during a bowel movement. You may feel pressure, have pain during sex, or have trouble passing stool. A rectocele

usually does not cause serious health problems

.

Can you run after rectocele surgery?

Most pelvic floor surgeries require an initial 6 to 8 week rest period —keeping activity very light—no sexual intercourse, no heavy lifting,

no running

etc.

How do you go to the bathroom with a rectocele?


Try to reduce the pressure on your rectocele by keeping your weight normal and not straining on the toilet

. Keep your stool soft and bulky so it is easier to pass. Plenty of fibre in your diet can help. A sachet of fibre powders (such as Fybogel) every day may also be useful.

What does a rectocele feel like to touch?

What does a rectocele feel like to touch?

Your rectocele may be so slight that you can’t feel it

. If the prolapse is more pronounced, it may feel like a bulge or lump in the back wall of your vagina. You can insert a (clean) finger or two to feel for a rectocele.

Is mesh used in rectocele repair?

Mesh can be placed in the anterior vaginal wall to aid in the correction of cystocele (anterior repair),

in the posterior vaginal wall to aid in correction of rectocele (posterior repair)

, or attached to the top of the vagina to correct uterine prolapse or vaginal apical prolapse (apical repair).

What kind of doctor fixes a rectocele?

The general name for these conditions is pelvic floor prolapse. Gynecologists are trained to evaluate and treat prolapse. Specialists called

urogynecologists

have added expertise in treating these conditions, especially when surgery is needed.

What is the main cause for a rectocele?

Rectocele is caused by

prolonged pressure on the pelvic floor

. Risk factors for rectocele may include: Pregnancy and childbirth, especially repeated vaginal deliveries and/or tearing or episiotomy during delivery. Aging.

How do I strengthen my rectocele?

  1. Tighten (contract) your pelvic floor muscles as though you were trying to prevent passing gas.
  2. Hold the contraction for five seconds, then relax for 10 seconds. …
  3. Work up to holding the contractions for 10 seconds at a time.
  4. Aim for at least three sets of 10 repetitions each day.

Can a rectocele recur?

Performing surgery on such a patient will inevitably result in persistence of abnormal defecation postsurgically, which, in turn,

may be responsible for the high rectocele recurrence rate

. An enlarging rectocele can also lead to further separation of the levator muscles, contributing to an increase in vaginal caliber.

Does a rectocele show up on a colonoscopy?

Your caregiver will be able to find your rectocele by doing a physical exam.

You may need other tests, such as a barium enema, colonoscopy, MRI, or ultrasound.

Why is it throbbing down there?

This happens because there is

increased blood flow to the area and the muscles of the vaginal wall may have some minor contractions

. The vagina also has arteries that supply blood to the area, and it is possible in some women to feel their pulse in certain spots.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.