Rectocele repair without defecagram

Have any of you had the repair without the test first?

I really want to know how extensive the problem is before I get into OR.

Yes, I had the repair without the test. My repairs (the whole lot of them) were done at the same time a smy hyst. My surgeon had diagnosed me with a grade 2 rectocele 6 weeks before the surgery, but in the OR the findings as he began the repair indicated it was a grade 3. Later he told me that he has never had a case in over 25 years of practice where the clinical findings "overestimate" the extent of the problem. Rather, it is usually the other way in his experience anyway. Either way, the repair was necessary and would have been performed the same way (xenform patch).

You may want to ask your surgeon what the benefits of undergoing the test would be and how the results may/may not change the course of your treatment.

Best wishes as you weigh your options and seek medical opinions about your particular situation.

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Originally Posted by kathiem1954 Have any of you had the repair without the test first? I really want to know how extensive the problem is before I get into OR.

I didn't need another test - I could see/feel the bowel wall through the vaginal wall pretty constantly. They dx me as a grade 3 before surgery. Initially they were going to use mesh to do the repairs, but the doc decided not to during surgery. it was a pretty extensive repair thru all the layers there (very interesting to hear how they did it!) and the repair work has definately been the toughest part of the recovery.
I think it's up to inidividual doctors about testing - some test, some don't. If it makes you more comfortable then definately ask for the test!