Rectocele Surgery Recovery

Content provided by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School

Rectocele Surgery Recovery

Question:

What is the recovery time for a rectocele surgery? If I have a desk job, is it possible to come back to work after one week?

Answer:

Rectocele is one type of pelvic floor prolapse. Prolapse is a hernia of the pelvic structures resulting from damage to the supporting tissues including muscles, ligaments, and sheets of connective tissue called fascia. Prolapse is common. Risk factors include childbirth, aging and genetic factors.

Options for treating prolapse include both surgical and non-surgical approaches. Patients may initially try pelvic floor exercises, called Kegel exercises, to restore tone to the muscular supports. Alternatively, a ring-shaped brace called a pessary may be worn in the vagina to hold up the prolapsing tissues.

Many women with prolapse choose to have surgery to repair the damaged structures. Surgery is usually performed through the vagina so the post operative recovery is quick and relatively comfortable. Most patients have no pain and can move about freely within 1 to 2 weeks. However, prolonged sitting is likely to remain uncomfortable and a sense of low stamina may persist for up to 1 month as the body heals from the surgery. Patients are also advised to refrain from lifting, straining, and intercourse for 6 weeks to allow the repair to heal without stress.

Joan Bengtson, M.D., is assistant professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive biology at Harvard Medical School and a member of the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproduction at Brigham and Women's Hospital.

Last updated:	July 20, 2009