1.9K Reviews | 4.7 Star Rating | 20+ years of experience | 72k+ Patients Treated
Rectocele Gastroenterologist - Dr. Scott Liu
INP, doctor specialist Experience, amicable treatment of rectocele in GastroDoxs, directed by Dr. Scott in Houston. A rectocele is a disease, which occurs when the rectum sticks out into the vaginal wall resulting in pain and inability to pass stool. Find custom diagnosis, least invasive interventions, and customized care.
Dr. Scott Liu, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist with over six years of experience and a background in military medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, completed his Internal Medicine residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and finished his Gastroenterology fellowship through the National Capital Consortium. Dr. Liu provides comprehensive care for a broad range of digestive conditions, including abdominal pain, acid reflux, liver disease, chronic diarrhea, and colon cancer screening. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and is known for his disciplined, patient-focused approach and clear communication.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Vaginal birth, especially after multiple deliveries
Chronic constipation and straining during bowel movements
Age-related weakening of pelvic floor muscles
Lifting heavy objects or obesity
Prior pelvic surgeries (for example, hysterectomy)
Signs and Symptoms
Sensation of pressure or fullness in the vagina
Difficulty passing stool or feeling of incomplete evacuation
Needing to press on the vaginal wall to help with a bowel movement
Lower back or pelvic pain
Occasional rectal bleeding in more severe cases
How Dr. Scott Diagnoses Rectocele?
Dr. Scott uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Symptom Review
He has queries on vaginal births, constipation or difficulty with straining, pelvis surgery, heavy lifting, and your specific symptoms such as vaginal pressure or bowel problems.
Pelvic Examination
In a mild pelvic examination, Dr. Scott will touch the vaginal wall and feel the size of a bulge, and will evaluate the firmness of muscles in pelvic floor.
Imaging and Functional Testing
Defecography - an X-ray or MRI-based study that visualizes the rectum while you simulate a bowel movement to confirm the degree of bulge.
Pelvic MRI - detailed images of the pelvic floor, vaginal wall, and rectum to precisely map the defect.
Additional Assessments (if needed)
The anorectal manometry is used to assess the strength and coordination of the muscles in some specific cases, and the ultrasound examination of the endoanals provides an additional description of the tissue layers.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for rectocele.
Lifestyle and Diet Tips
Consume increased quantities of fiber: vegetables, whole-grains, and fruit.
Take 8 to 10 glasses of water daily.
Do not strain or force when passing bowels.
Dr. Scott has instructions on how to do pelvic floor exercises.
Medications
Fiber supplement (e.g., psyllium), to soften stool.
To have less difficulty in moving the bowels, stool softeners (e.g., docusate) can be used.
Estrogen cream (to postmenopausal women) to fortify tissue in the vagina.
Minimal and Surgery operations
Transvaginal repair: Strengthens the rectovaginal wall by using stitches or a mesh.
Transperineal repair: The vaginal traumatization is restricted and the perineum is used.
Laparoscopic repair: Miniature incisions to the abdomen in order to implant supportive mesh.
Rectocele surgery: It is done in case of more serious cases or when conservative treatment does not help.
Dr. Scott Liu, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist with over six years of experience and a background in military medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, completed his Internal Medicine residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and finished his Gastroenterology fellowship through the National Capital Consortium. Dr. Liu provides comprehensive care for a broad range of digestive conditions, including abdominal pain, acid reflux, liver disease, chronic diarrhea, and colon cancer screening. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and is known for his disciplined, patient-focused approach and clear communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a rectocele and its impact on the daily life?
A rectocele occurs when the mucus separating your rectum and vagina becomes feeble and the rectum sticks into the vagina ducts. It may result in vaginal pressure, discomfort and the inability to empty your bowels completely.
Is it possible to have a rectocele without treatment?
Mild natures of rectoceles may be typically treated through dietary intervention, fiber supplement and pelvic floor muscle activity. Nonetheless, early care prevents development and enhances comfort better.
Does a rectocele worsen as a result of a colonoscopy?
No. Colonoscopies that are done in a careful manner do not make a rectocele worse. Dr. Scott adopts soft support methods during the process.
In what cases should free surgery be employed to treat rectocele?
Surgery is an option when non-surgical/non-dress up treatment/programs, such as lifestyle changes, drugs, pelvic floor therapies are not working or the protrusion is severe.
How do you recover after surgery of rectocele?
The majority of patients do take a home discharge either on the same or the following day. There will be limited lifting and pelvic floor exercises with a recovery plan, and healing in approximately 4-6 weeks.
How can I prevent a rectocele?
Eat plenty of fiber, keep properly hydrated, not too straining when moving bowels, and do support muscles with some routines on the pelvic floor (Kegel) exercises.
