Advanced
Rectocele Repair
Restores bladder and bowel control, relieves pelvic pressure, and corrects vaginal bulging using advanced, minimally invasive native-tissue repair techniques.
Medically reviewed by Mitra’s specialist panel · Updated 2026
Comprehensive Repair Package
₹1.5 – 2 Lakhs
Transparent pricing based on the exact extent of your prolapse. We prioritize native-tissue repairs over mesh to reduce long-term complications.
What is Rectocele Repair?
A rectocele repair (posterior colporrhaphy) is a surgical procedure to correct a bulge where the rectum pushes into the back wall of the vagina. This bulge happens when the thin layer of tissue that separates your vagina and rectum (the rectovaginal septum) becomes weak and stretched out over time.
During the repair, the surgeon fixes the bulge and uses strong surgical sutures to anchor your ligaments and reinforce the native tissue between your vagina and rectum. This restores your normal pelvic anatomy without the need for synthetic mesh in most cases.
Common Symptoms Addressed
A rectocele doesn’t always require surgery, but if non-surgical treatments fail, surgical repair is highly effective at relieving:
Native Tissue Repair
Strengthening your own body’s support systems
The Procedure, Step by Step
The repair is most commonly performed through the vagina (transvaginal approach) under general anaesthesia. If other pelvic prolapse issues are present, they may be repaired at the same time.
Anaesthesia & Prep
You are placed under general anaesthesia and given IV antibiotics. A small catheter is temporarily inserted to drain urine during the surgery.
Incision & Access
The surgeon makes an incision in the back wall of your vagina to carefully separate the vaginal skin from the underlying bulging rectal tissue.
Tissue Strengthening
Using strong sutures, the surgeon folds and anchors the weakened connective tissue (fascia) between the vagina and rectum to push the rectum back into place.
Closure & Healing
Any excess, stretched vaginal skin is removed, and the incision is closed with dissolving stitches. A vaginal packing may be placed briefly to prevent bleeding.
What to Expect
Repairing a rectocele brings profound relief to daily functions, but it’s important to understand the surgical risks involved with repairing delicate pelvic floor tissues.
Benefits
- Eliminates Vaginal BulgingResolves the uncomfortable sensation of a bulge or mass sitting inside or outside the vagina.
- Restores Bowel FunctionImproves the ability to empty the rectum fully, ending the need to press on the vagina to poop.
- Relieves Pelvic PressureEliminates the heavy, dragging feeling in the pelvis and lower back caused by prolapse.
- Improves Sexual IntimacyCorrecting the anatomy often removes discomfort or pain previously experienced during intercourse.
- No Synthetic Mesh UsedUsing your body’s native tissue avoids the long-term complications historically associated with vaginal mesh.
Possible Risks
- Painful Sex During HealingSome women experience pain during sex (dyspareunia) as the vaginal incision heals and scar tissue forms.
- Prolapse RecurrenceWhile success rates are high (75-90%), the tissue can weaken and bulge again years later, especially if you strain heavily.
- Infection (Incision or UTI)There is a risk of infection at the incision site or a urinary tract infection from the temporary catheter.
- Rectovaginal FistulaA very rare but serious complication where an abnormal opening forms between the vagina and the rectum.
- BleedingAs with any surgery in the highly vascular pelvic region, there is a small risk of excessive bleeding.
Your Recovery Journey
Healing the delicate tissues between the vagina and rectum requires patience. Protecting the repair from strain—especially during bowel movements—is the most important part of your recovery.
You will feel sluggish from the anaesthesia. Your catheter will likely be removed. You will be encouraged to take short walks to promote circulation and prevent blood clots.
Once you are comfortable and can urinate normally, you will be discharged. You will be prescribed pain medication and, most importantly, stool softeners to ensure you do not strain while pooping.
You will likely have bloody or yellowish vaginal discharge. You must strictly avoid lifting, squatting, and sexual intercourse. However, walking and climbing stairs slowly are perfectly safe and encouraged.
Most patients can return to desk work or school during this time. You will continue to gradually increase your activity level, listening to your body. Strenuous jobs may require the full 6 weeks off.
When to Call Your Doctor
Because the repair is entirely internal, you must monitor your own symptoms closely during recovery. Contact your Mitra Care team immediately if you experience any of the following warning signs:
A fever above 38.5°C (101.3°F) or flu-like chills may indicate a postoperative infection.
Bleeding that soaks through a pad in an hour, or passing large blood clots.
Pain that becomes sudden, sharp, or does not respond to your prescribed painkillers.
A large amount of discharge from the vagina that has a very strong, bad odor (a sign of infection).
Inability to empty your bladder completely, or severe pain and burning when you do go.
Passing stool through the vagina, which could indicate a rare rectovaginal fistula.
Frequently Asked Questions
We believe an informed patient makes the best decisions. Here are answers to common questions about rectocele repair.
Usually, no. In the past, synthetic vaginal mesh was common, but due to high complication rates, we prioritize “native tissue repair.” This means our surgeons use strong sutures to reconstruct and strengthen your own natural tissue, which is the current gold standard.
You don’t necessarily need to fix it unless the symptoms bother you. Many patients manage a mild rectocele with a high-fiber diet, pelvic floor therapy, or a vaginal pessary. We only recommend surgery if these non-surgical methods fail to relieve severe symptoms.
This depends on your job. If you have a desk job, you may be able to return in 2 to 3 weeks. However, if your job requires prolonged standing, heavy lifting, or strenuous physical activity, you will need the full 6 weeks off to protect the repair.
It is highly successful. Studies show that 75% to 90% of patients experience significant improvement in their symptoms (like the vaginal bulge and difficulty pooping). However, maintaining healthy bowel habits post-surgery is key to preventing the bulge from returning over time.
The golden rule is: do not strain. You will be given stool softeners to keep things moving easily. When on the toilet, plant your feet flat (or elevate them on a small stool), lean forward, and let gravity do the work without pushing.
Native Tissue vs. Mesh Repair
Due to historical complications, surgical approaches for rectocele have evolved significantly. We prioritize your long-term safety by using modern native-tissue techniques.
| Feature | Native Tissue Repair Mitra Recommended | Synthetic Mesh Repair Older Technique |
|---|---|---|
| Support Material | Your own strengthened ligaments | Permanent synthetic plastic mesh |
| Complication Risk | Low (Natural healing) | Higher (Risk of mesh eroding into vagina) |
| Long-Term Safety | Current Gold Standard | FDA warnings issued for transvaginal mesh |
| Symptom Relief | High (75% – 90%) | High |
| Incision Location | Transvaginal (Hidden) | Transvaginal or Abdominal |
Book Your Consultation Today
Is surgical rectocele repair the right step for you? Meet with our urogynecology specialists to evaluate your symptoms, discuss non-surgical options, and build a tailored plan for your pelvic health.