ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews the anatomy, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of rectoceles. However, the use of imaging studies does become useful when combined with other ancillary data, especially for the following situations: Imaging may also be useful to highlight the presence of an enterocele, as these may appear similar to a high rectocele on physical exam. Wallace et al. retrospectively reviewed 200 patients who had the diagnosis of a rectocele and underwent defecography. Defecography may suggest the diagnosis of pelvic floor dyssynergia, which may be the main contributor to a patient's bowel dysfunction rather than a rectocele. If oral contrast is given 30 minutes prior to defecography, the small bowel can be easily visualized to facilitate this diagnosis. Transperineal or translabial ultrasound has been described in the assessment of dynamic function of the pelvic floor.
