Is is possible to inspect inside a rectocele with a flexi sigmoidoscope?

[Spicer21]

Hi,

Apologies in advance for the 'tmi' that follows in this post, but it's a case of 'needs must', I'm afraid...

I would be grateful if anyone can tell me whether it is possible to inspect inside a rectocele for any abnormalities with a flexi sigmoidoscope? (My rectocele is quite low and protrudes out of my vagina and is causing me discomfort and pain.) I've googled about it, but cannot find the answer elsewhere on the Internet.

I'm asking about this because I recently had a flexi sigmoidoscope and the consultant didn't ask me to clear my bowels with an enema beforehand and so I'm now wondering about asking my GP to refer me for another flexi sigmoidoscope with someone else - but only as long as the procedure would be done properly after an enema next time and it would be likely that the inside my rectocele could be viewed. (The consultant I saw told me he couldn't see everything because there was too much soft poo in my rectocele and rectum...which, in the circumstances, was hardly surprising!...And he also didn't tell me that he was going to do a flexi sigmoidoscopy; he just examined me with a lubed, gloved finger and before I knew it he was examining me with a flexi sigmoidoscope!...Which also begs the question as to whether he should have asked for my written consent before doing the procedure! )

Many thanks for any replies, which will be gratefully received.

[costagran]

these people are supposed to be proffessionals..doh

[doctorjudi]

No, cant see inside a rectocoele with a sigmoidoscope unless the prolapsed part of the rectum is reduced first and cleaned out with an enema. No need to see inside, usual procedure is to do a defaecating proctogram after an enema. (barium swallowed and put into rectum then sit on portapotti, with screen and bear down while being xrayed). Not painful. Should have got written consent before doing sigmoidoscopy.

[Spicer21 in reply to doctorjudi]

Hi doctorjudi,

When you say about the rectocele being 'reduced first' - is that with the enema cleaning out any poo trapped in the rectocele 'pouch'?

I'll definitely ask for a defaecating proctogram.

And thanks, I thought they should have got at least verbal consent, but it's useful to know that it should have been in writing as I'm going to make a formal complaint.

[doctorjudi in reply to Spicer21]

yes, enema should clean out the pouch. You might have to push the pouch back with your fingers, to get it completely empty. You could try a small Microlax or Micolette enema from pharmacy if you don't want to use a full enema.

[Spicer21 in reply to doctorjudi]

Thanks doctorjudi. Yes, I always have to splint my perineum with my fingers to empty...And coincidentally, I've recently been prescribed some Microlax, but have been a bit reticent to try them because of the mention in the product leaflet that a possible side effect is 'burning', when my backside already feels like it's on fire...But I will give them a go. (I've been using organic olive oil as a retention enema to soften stools with some success, which my GP says shouldn't do me any harm. Hopefully, he's right.)

[doctorjudi in reply to Spicer21]

You only need to hold them in for a few minutes, 2-3 minutes, when the rectocoele empties the burning will go quickly. If your worried have an ice pack to hand to put on your anus

[Spicer21 in reply to doctorjudi]

That doesn't sound too bad then...I'll take your advice and have an ice pack at the ready though.

[doctorjudi in reply to Spicer21]

I swear by them, good luck

[Spicer21 in reply to doctorjudi]

That's good to know. I'll try one tomorrow morning.

[agonywomen46 in reply to Spicer21]

Hi I've a 2.5 rectocele and having terrible pain in rectum that splint your perem how do u do that

[Spicer21 in reply to agonywomen46]

Hello agonywoman46,

With splinting you use your fingers (I use just two fingers) to apply a little bit of pressure against your perineum or inside your vagina to support the area and straighten out the bulge of the prolapse to make it easier to pass stools. My rectocele is quite low down so I therefore find it works best if I press against and support my perineum; if your rectocele is higher up you might find it works better if you press and support inside your vagina with your fingers. Here's a webpage about it pelvicexercises.com.au/bowe....

[agonywomen46 in reply to Spicer21]

Thank you so much for your time

[Spicer21 in reply to agonywomen46]

No problem at all - I hope if you try it, it will help.