QuestionDo you know what in involved in this surgery? Sedation needed? How long would it take (hours?) and who would be qualified? What is the title of the gynecological surgeon?
The rectal surgeons I saw didn't recommend surgery for two reasons: the success rate is poor and healing process is slow, difficult, and painful. Is this correct?
I was referred to a physical therapist for pelvic floor re-hab plus a female specialist in neuroscience.
If this doesn't work, I'm headed to Mayo Clinic.
Please write back with any of the answers you have.
Thank you very very much!
Annie
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Followup To
Question -
Age41, 3 children.
After the birth of my second child I could not control p assage of rectal gas and had 2 accidents of soft stool. After going to a rectal specialist, testing revealed a external rectal tear. The cause; obstetrical injury.
How could this have been repaired by the ob/gyne?
I had not episiotomy on the second or third, only two stitches after the first one and it was the samllest baby (7.5 lbs. first child, 9lbs on secons two children)
What could have been done to help me? At this point surgery wont help yet my life is altered.
I have panic attacks some times when I'm out and I pass gass without knowing and cannot control it.
Can you help me at all?
What is y our experience? I don't remember the doctor checking my rectal area at all. But I can tell you everyithing is so stretched in that area, it looks very different.
Annie
Answer -
Sometimes, during a vaginal delivery, (even for a small baby), you can sustain a tear in your rectum (Fourth degree laceration). Often an episiotomy will prevent a rectal tear. However, even with an episiotomy it is possible to have a rectal tear. You may also have developed a "rectovaginal fistula" during the delivery. This would also cause you to have gas (flatus) from your vagina. If you had a rectal tear, it should have been recognized at the time of the delivery and repaired immediately. If it is not recognized at the time of the delivery, we usually wait 3-6 months later to repair it in the O.R. If you cannot control your gas or stool, it should be repaired. It is easily repaired by a gynecological surgeon or a rectal surgeon. Don't wait too long to have it repaired.
AnswerI, of course, do not know the extent of your injury. However, usually a gynecological surgeon repairs any damage from a fourth degree laceration (damage to the rectum). It is done under general anesthesia. The damaged portion of the rectum is excised and resewn in an anatomical fashion. It usually takes around an hour for the surgery, but that depends on the extent of the injury as well. There are gynecological surgeons who specialize in this specific repair. I don't know who evaluated your rectum. I would assume that the surgeons you spoke to have examined you and are in a better position to advise you as to whether to have the surgery or not.
