ABSTRACT
The colorectal surgeon should be aware of gynaecological conditions which may impact on the diagnosis and treatment of female patients. Many adults suffer from pelvic floor disorders such as voiding dysfunction, urinary and faecal incontinence, vaginal and rectal prolapse, constipation and sexual dysfunction. Oestrogen deficiency has been implicated in the development of lower urinary tract symptoms. Urinary incontinence may be an isolated symptom, or it can coexist with pelvic organ prolapse. Sacral nerve neuromodulation (SNM) involves stimulation of the sacral nerve roots to modulate the reflexes that influence the bladder, colon, sphincter and pelvic floor. SNM uses mild electrical pulses to improve or restore normal voiding function. Vaginal and rectal repair is the preferred option for rectal mucosal or full thickness prolapse in women with limited anterior and/or posterior vaginal wall prolapse and adequate vaginal length. Anterior compartment prolapse refers to prolapse of the bladder due to defects in the anterior vagina and is called a cystocele.
