rectocele
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A medical condition characterized by the protrusion or herniation of the front wall of the rectum into the back wall of the vagina. This occurs due to a weakening of the supportive tissues and muscles in the pelvic floor, often as a result of childbirth, chronic straining, or aging.
Usage
"Rectocele" is a specific medical term used primarily by healthcare professionals. It describes a type of pelvic organ prolapse. * A rectocele can cause symptoms such as a sensation of vaginal bulging, difficulty with bowel movements, or a feeling of incomplete evacuation. * Diagnosis of a rectocele typically involves a pelvic examination. * Treatment for a rectocele may include pelvic floor exercises, the use of a pessary, or surgical repair.
Examples
- The patient's chronic constipation was attributed to a rectocele.
- After her third delivery, she was diagnosed with a rectocele.
- The surgeon explained the procedure to repair the rectocele.
Advanced Usage
- The term is often used in a clinical context alongside other types of prolapse, such as cystocele (bladder prolapse) or enterocele (small bowel prolapse).
- It can be graded in severity (e.g., mild, moderate, severe) based on the extent of the protrusion.
Variants and Related Words
- Posterior vaginal wall prolapse: A more general descriptive term for this condition.
- Proctocele: A synonymous term, though "rectocele" is more commonly used in modern medical English.
Synonyms
- Posterior vaginal prolapse
- Proctocele
Antonyms
- (There is no direct antonym, but the normal anatomical state would be described as) Normal pelvic floor support or Intact rectovaginal septum.
Related Phrases / Collocations
- Repair a rectocele: To surgically correct the condition.
- Symptomatic rectocele: A rectocele that is causing noticeable problems for the patient.
- Rectocele and cystocele: Often mentioned together when multiple compartments of the pelvic floor are involved.
Noun
- protrusion or herniation of the rectum into the vagina; can occur if pelvic muscles are weakened by childbirth