Cystocele and rectocele (bladder and bowel prolapse)
A downward displacement of the bladder is called a cystocele, and a protrusion of the intestine towards the back wall of the vagina is called a rectocele.
Symptoms of cystocele and rectocele include:
Urinary incontinence
Frequent urination
Strong urge to urinate
feeling pressure
Vaginal protrusion
It is back and hip pain
The symptoms of rectocele are similar to cystocele, with the difference that there is also gas and constipation.
Causes of cystocele and rectocele:
Among the causes of this disease are obesity, chronic cough, straining during defecation and difficult childbirth.
Prevention of cystocele and rectocele:
Exercises that strengthen the perineum (Kegel) prevent prolapse, especially after childbirth.
Treatment of cystocele and rectocele:
If you have this problem, surgery is a suitable method of restoration.
Training before cystocele operation:
* Eat soup the night before the operation and fast from midnight.
* The night before the operation, an enema and vaginal washing will be done for you to reduce contamination during the operation.
* Take a bath the night before surgery and shave the surgical area (perineum) completely. This reduces the possibility of infection.
* On the morning of the operation, a urinary catheter will be placed for you.
* If you have a special disease that you are being treated for, inform your doctor and nurse. Because in some cases, it is necessary to temporarily stop your medications or replace them with other medications.
* Note that on the day of the operation, remove all metal objects, including jewelry, head clips, lenses, and artificial organs, then wear the special clothes for the operating room.
Immobility after the operation can cause blood stagnation in the legs and increase the possibility of lung infection, so do the breathing exercises and leg rotation that you were taught immediately after the surgery.
Your surgery may be performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia.
Training after cystocele and rectocele:
How to eat after surgery:
You should not eat anything on the first day. After the nurse gives you permission, the liquid diet will start for you and you can gradually use other foods with the doctor’s opinion.
To prevent constipation and pressure on the stitches, you should use plenty of liquids and high-fiber foods (vegetables and fruits), walk and use stool softeners as prescribed by the doctor.
Getting out of bed:
When you are allowed to leave your bed, first sit on the edge of the bed for a while and hang your legs. If you are not dizzy, you can walk with the help of a nurse.
Care of the operation site:
After each time you urinate and defecate, you should rinse the operation area with lukewarm saline and sterile water and dry it with a disposable and clean napkin. To dry the operation area and speed up recovery, you can use a hair dryer with a distance of 30 cm.
Prevention of urinary tract infection:
* Wash the perineum area from front to back after defecation.
* Use cotton underwear and change it soon and dry it in the sun or iron it after washing.
* If you feel the need to urinate, urinate immediately.
Preventing urinary incontinence:
Before removing the urinary catheter, in order to prevent urinary incontinence, the nurse closes and then opens the catheter several times. When urine collects, you may feel pressure in your bladder, which is normal.
Time to have sex:
* Stitches take 1-2 weeks to heal well, but it is better to avoid closeness for 1.5 months.
* Note that if there is blood discharge, it is better not to get close.
Starting daily activities:
2 weeks after the surgery, you can resume your daily activities, but avoid standing for a long time and lifting heavy objects.
Exercise after cystocele and rectocele:
You should do the perineal exercise (Kegel) that you have been taught at home, this exercise is very simple.
In any position, whether sitting, standing or lying down, it is enough to contract the muscles between the urethra and the anus and stay in this position for 30 seconds, then relax.
Do this exercise 10 to 20 times a day. In order for the effects of exercise to become tangible, it is necessary to continue this exercise for at least 6-12 weeks.