The key difference between rectocele and rectal prolapse is that rectocele is a medical condition that is due to weakened tissues in the pelvis that causes the rectum to sag into the vaginal wall, while rectal prolapse is a medical condition that is due to the rectum slipping down inside the anus.
The rectum is the lower part of the large intestine in the human body that stores stool. Problems in the rectum are common, although many people are embarrassed to talk about them. Rectocele and rectal prolapse are two different types of rectal problems.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Rectocele
3. What is Rectal Prolapse
4. Similarities – Rectocele and Rectal Prolapse
5. Rectocele vs Rectal Prolapse in Tabular Form
6. Summary – Rectocele vs Rectal Prolapse
What is Rectocele?
Rectocele is a medical condition where the tissues between the rectum and vagina become weakened, making the rectum bulge onto the back wall of the vagina. Rectocele usually occurs with other forms of pelvic organ prolapse like uterus or bladder shift. The signs and symptoms of a rectocele include a sensation of pressure or fullness in the rectum or vagina, a soft bulge of tissue that may or may not poke through the vagina, a feeling that the rectum is not emptied even after defecation, an urge to defecate several times a day, dyspareunia, sensing a feeling of looseness in the vagina, splinting, and urinary incontinence. Moreover, rectocele can occur due to pregnancy and childbirth, aging, chronic cough or bronchitis, chronic constipation, repeated heavy lifting, having a heavier body, and previous surgery (hysterectomy).
Figure 01: Rectocele
Rectocele can be diagnosed through medical history, physical examination, pelvic exam, and imaging tests (transvaginal ultrasound and X-ray). Furthermore, treatment options for rectocele include pelvic floor exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, vaginal pessary, and a surgical procedure called posterior colporrhaphy.
What is Rectal Prolapse?
Rectal prolapse is a medical condition characterized by the protrusion or descent of the rectum through the anal opening, resulting in the rectum slipping down into the anal canal. Rectal prolapse can also occur in young patients due to chronic diarrhoea or cystic fibrosis. The signs and symptoms of rectal prolapse may include a feeling of pressure in the anus, a feeling like there is something left inside in the anus, a red fleshy mass or bulge hanging out of the anus, leakage of mucus, stool, or blood in the anus, and anal pain or itching. Moreover, rectal prolapse can occur due to aging, pregnancy and childbirth, previous injury or surgery to the pelvis, chronic constipation or diarrhoea, intestinal parasite infections, chronic coughing or sneezing, spinal cord damage, nerve damage, and cystic fibrosis.
Figure 02: Rectal Prolapse
Rectal prolapse can be diagnosed through a digital rectal exam, defecography, anorectal manometry, lower GI series, colonoscopy, and electromyography (EMG). Furthermore, treatment options for rectal prolapse include abdominal surgery (rectopexy), and rectal surgery (altimeter procedure and delorme procedure).
What are the Similarities Between Rectocele and Rectal Prolapse?
- Rectocele and rectal prolapse are two different types of rectal problems.
- Both conditions are characterized by bulge formation and discomfort during defecation.
- Both conditions are not life-threatening.
- They can be diagnosed through physical examination and imaging testing.
- They are treated mainly through surgeries.
What is the Difference Between Rectocele and Rectal Prolapse?
Rectocele is a medical condition that is due to weakened tissues in the pelvis that causes the rectum to sag into the vaginal wall, while rectal prolapse is a medical condition that is due to the rectum slipping down inside the anus. Thus, this is the key difference between rectocele and rectal prolapse.
The below infographic presents the differences between rectocele and rectal prolapse in tabular form for side by side comparison.
Summary – Rectocele vs Rectal Prolapse
Rectocele and rectal prolapse are two different conditions that cause rectal problems. Rectocele and rectal prolapse are not life-threatening conditions. However, both these conditions can cause discomfort and pain during defecation. Rectocele is a medical condition that is due to weakened tissues in the pelvis, causing the rectum to sag into the vaginal wall, while rectal prolapse is a medical condition that is due to the rectum slipping down inside the anus. So, this summarizes the difference between rectocele and rectal prolapse.
Reference:
1. “Rectocele: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Stages & Treatment.” Cleveland Clinic.
2. “Rectal Prolapse: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment.” Cleveland Clinic.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Rectocele Diagram” By BruceBlaus – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Rectal prolapse – very low mag” By Nephron – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia