Rectocele
- A rectocele is a forward out-pouching of the anterior rectal wall
which occurs during defecation or straining.
- It occurs much more frequently in females, probably because of the
compliance of the rectovaginal septum.
- During evacuation, part of the contrast material may be
sequestered in this pseudodiverticulum, and full rectal emptying may
not be achieved at the first attempt.
![](rectocele_a_lab.jpg)
![](rectocele_b_lab.jpg)
![](rectocele_c_lab.jpg)
- In recent studies of healthy volunteers, rectoceles were seen
in about 80% of women and 10-15% of men; therefore, rectoceles in
women must be considered to be normal when not accompanied by
other rectal abnormalities.
- Asymptomatic rectoceles are generally small (<2 cm in depth)
and rarely retain barium.
- Rectoceles in symptomatic patients generally are moderate
in size (2-4 cm) or large (>4 cm) and retain barium after
evacuation.
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