Questions in the Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Forum have been answered by Dr. Kevin Pho who is board certified in Internal Medicine and by doctors from Henry Ford Health System.

Question Title: rectocele repair and constipation

Forum: The Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Forum
Topic: Constipation


Quick history: I began to develop symptoms of uterine prolapse about ten months ago. I was 32 at the time. My symptoms degraded rather quickly. I was diagnosed with rectocele/uterine prolapse/and cystocele.

About five months after initial symptoms I began to have occasional problems completely emptying my bowels. I had been completely regular and normal prior to this time. A few weeks later I started having mild constipation on an on again off again basis. I was put on stool softeners and Kegals. That didn't help, my condition continued to worsen. By the time of surgery I was having constant constipation despite drinking lots of water and taking stool softeners. I could not completely empty myself without "splinting".

I had surgery about five weeks ago. At first everything I ate gave me diarhea. Now, I've had constipation twice in the same week. I'm drinking about three quarts of water per day and taking two stool softeners: one in the morning, one at night. I can feel the stool building but I have no urge to go.

Question: Is this a normal part of healing after surgery? Could I have damage to my rectum from the rectocele? Should I see a colorectal specialist?

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Dear eliz,
I assume that your surgery was performed by a gynecologist as opposed to a colorectal surgeon. I would go back to the surgeon who performed the operation to see if testing needed repition. If he could not help, then evaluation by a colorectal surgeon would be indicated.

This information is presented for educational purposes. Always consult your personal physician for specific medical questions.

HFHSM.D.-rf
*keywords: constipation, rectocoele
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