Prospective analysis of marlex mesh repair for symptomatic rectocele with obstructive defecation.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of perineoplasty with marlex mesh in symptomatic rectocele with obstructive defecation and evaluation of the incidence of postobstetric perineal tear in patients with symptomatic rectocele. DESIGN: Prospective analysis of 11 consecutive patients undergoing elective rectocele repair. Prospective analysis of sphicnter postobstetric tears in patients with rectocele. RESULTS: Incidence of postobstetric perineal tears in 100 per cent of patients. Absence of obstructive defecation symptoms in 100 per cent of patients. Mesh displacement in 5/8 cases. CONCLUSIONS: Endoanal ultrasound secreening in patients with symptomatic rectocele is mandatory. Prosthetic repair eliminates obstructive defecation symptoms in 100 per cent of patients. Mesh is well tolerated although it has to be fixed in the suprasphincteric area and with non reabsorbable stitches.