Good Post-operative Results Depend on Strict Patient Selection and Strict Operative Procedure
- Correspondence to: Yong Hee Hwang, M.D. Department of Sugery, Sahmyook Medical Center, 82 Mangu-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 130-711, Korea. Tel: +82-2-2210-3563, Fax: +82-2-2212-2673, hwangyon@hotmail.com
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Post-operative results are variable. Some rectoceles might be caused by a paradoxical puborectalis contraction leading to an outlet obstruction and to disappointing surgical results [1]. Thus, an anorectal physiologic study including anal sponge (anal plug) electromyography should be performed for excluding non-relaxing puborectalis syndrome [2]. In that case, biofeedback therapy should be applied first. A vital point for a good post-operative result is the tightness (strength) of the reconstructed rectovaginal septum even though long-term post-operative results aredisappointing [3]. A larger decrease in the rectocele diameter means greater strength of the rectovaginal septum.
- References
- 1. Johansson C, Nilsson BY, Holmström B, Dolk A, Mellgren A. Association between rectocele and paradoxical sphincter response. Dis Colon Rectum 1992;35:503–509. PMID: 1568403.
[Article] [PubMed]2. Rosato GO, Lumi CM, Miguel AM. Anal sphincter electromyography and pudendal nerve terminal motor latency assessment. Semin Colon Rectal Surg 1992;3:68–74.