Enterocele

An enterocele occurs when your small intestine (small bowel) descends into the lower pelvic cavity and pushes at the top part of your vagina, creating a bulge. Enteroceles most commonly occur in women who have had surgery to remove the uterus (hysterectomy). Enteroceles are associated with vaginal vault prolapse after hysterectomy.

Symptoms can include:

  • A feeling of pelvic fullness, pressure or pain

  • Low back pain that eases when lying down

  • A soft bulge of tissue in your vagina

  • Vaginal discomfort and painful intercourse (dyspareunia)


The three main factors that contribute to the development of a enterocele are:

  1. Hereditary. Some women are genetically predisposed to having weaker connective tissues and may be more likely to experience enterocele

  2. Childbirth. Vaginal birth can stretch and weaken the supporting structures of the pelvic floor.

  3. Age. As supporting structures of the pelvic floor age, they weaken.

An enterocele is diagnosed by pelvic exam. Often times, other defects of the pelvic floor are present, such as cystocele, rectocele, and vaginal prolapse.

Treatment for enterocele ranges from no treatment for a mild enterocele to surgery or a pessary for a more advanced enterocele.

Treatments for Enterocele:

Pessary for Prolapse
Vaginal Prolapse Repair
da Vanci Robotic Sacrolcopopexy