Atlanta Center for Laparoscopic Urogynecology
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Enterocele
Vaginal Prolapse Relaxation (continued)
Enterocele occur primarily in patients who have had their uterus removed (hysterectomy). The anterior vaginal wall (pubocervical) fascia and posterior vaginal wall (rectovaginal) fascia separate and intestines can push directly against the vaginal skin. The herniation at the apex of the vagina is known as an enterocele.


Enterocele – There exists a defect between the pubocervical fascia and rectovaginal fascia (note - the intestine are pushing directly against the vaginal epithelium)
Normal Support – no enterocele
Patients with a large enterocele, vaginal vault prolapse and uterine/vaginal prolapse may experience:
- Pelvic or vaginal pressure
- Difficulty evacuating rectum
- Difficulty emptying bladder
- Dyspareunia (painful intercourse)
- Lower back pain/discomfort
- Increasing pain/discomfort with prolonged standing
- Decreased pain/discomfort upon lying down
- Pain increases as day progresses
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Prolapse