The key difference between rectocele and enterocele is that rectocele is a type of pelvic organ relapse where the rectum bulges into the vagina while enterocele is a type of pelvic organ relapse where the small intestine bulges into the vagina.
There are different types of pelvic organs such as the vagina, uterus, bladder, urethra, and rectum. These pelvic organs are usually held in place by muscles of the pelvic floor. When the tissues and muscles can no longer adequately support the pelvic organs, they descend from their normal position. This is called pelvic organ prolapse. There are different types of prolapse such as cystocele, enterocele, rectocele, uterine prolapsed, and vaginal vault prolapse.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Rectocele
3. What is Enterocele
4. Similarities – Rectocele and Enterocele
5. Rectocele vs. Enterocele in Tabular Form
6. FAQ – Rectocele and Enterocele
7. Summary – Rectocele vs. Enterocele
What is Rectocele?
A rectocele is a condition due to the bulging of the front wall of the rectum into the back wall of the vagina. It is caused by prolonged pressure on the pelvic floor. The risk factors for rectocele are pregnancy and childbirth, aging, chronic constipation, obesity, and chronic cough or bronchitis. Moreover, the symptoms of rectocele may include vaginal pressure or the feeling that something is falling out of the vagina, rectal pressure or fullness, or the feeling that something is stuck in the rectum, difficulty in bowel movement, discomfort in sexual intercourse, and soft bulge of tissue that is felt in the vagina.
Figure 01: Rectocele
Rectocele can be diagnosed through medical history, physical examination, ultrasound, and MRI. Furthermore, treatment options for rectocele may include pelvic floor exercises and bowel training, a vaginal pessary, or rectocele repair.
What is Enterocele?
Enterocele is a condition due to descending of the small intestine into the lower pelvic cavity and pushing at the top part of the vagina. This usually creates a bulge. The symptoms of this condition may include a pulling sensation in the pelvis that eases when lying down, a feeling of pelvic fullness, pressure or pain, lower back pain that eases when lying down, a soft bulge in the tissue of the vagina, vaginal discomfort, and painful intercourse (dyspareunia). Increased pressure on the pelvic floor is the main reason for enterocele. The risk factors for this condition are pregnancy and childbirth, chronic constipation or straining with bowel movements, chronic cough or bronchitis, heavy lifting repeatedly, and being overweight or obese.
Figure 02: Enterocele
Enterocele can be diagnosed through pelvic examination. Furthermore, treatment options for enterocele may include observation, silicone, plastic, or rubber device inserted into your vagina to support the bulging tissue, or surgery to repair the prolapse through the vagina or abdomen with or without robotic assistance.
What are the Similarities Between Rectocele and Enterocele?
- Rectocele and enterocele are two different types of pelvic organ prolapse.
- Both conditions create bulges.
- Both conditions are due to increased pressure on the pelvic floor.
- They can be diagnosed through pelvic examination.
- They can be treated by using devices such as pessary and specific surgeries.
What is the Difference Between Rectocele and Enterocele?
Rectocele is a type of pelvic organ relapse where the rectum bulges into the vagina, while enterocele is a type of pelvic organ relapse where the small intestine bulges into the vagina. Thus, this is the key difference between rectocele and enterocele. Furthermore, the risk factors for rectocele are pregnancy and childbirth, aging, chronic constipation, obesity, and chronic cough or bronchitis. On the other hand, the risk factors for enterocele are pregnancy and childbirth, chronic constipation or straining with bowel movements, chronic cough or bronchitis, heavy lifting repeatedly, and being overweight or obese.
The infographic below presents the differences between rectocele and enterocele in tabular form for side-by-side comparison.
FAQ: Rectocele and Enterocele
What is another name for a rectocele?
Rectocele is also known as posterior vaginal prolapse.
What are the types of enterocele?
There are four types of enteroceles; they are congenital, traction, pulsion, and iatrogenic.
How do you diagnose enterocele?
Pelvic examination is the diagnosis method of enterocele.
Summary – Rectocele vs. Enterocele
Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when one or more of the organs in the pelvis area slip down from their normal position and bulge into the vagina. This can be the uterus, bowel, bladder, or top of the vagina. Pelvic organ prolapse is not life-threatening. But it can cause pain and discomfort. Rectocele and enterocele are two different types of pelvic organ prolapse. In the rectocele, the rectum bulges into the vagina, while in the enterocele, the small intestine bulges into the vagina. Hence, this is the key difference between rectocele and enterocele.
Reference:
1. “Rectocele.” ASCRS.
2. “Enterocele (Small Bowel Prolapse): Causes, Symptoms & Treatment.” Cleveland Clinic.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Rectocele” By Mbpippen – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Enterocele front APOPS” By Mbpippen – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
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