enterocele

Common Signs and Symptoms of Enterocele

Enterocele, also known as small bowel prolapse, can cause a range of symptoms that may vary in severity from woman to woman. Here are some common signs and symptoms associated with enterocele:

• Bulge or pressure in the vagina: A feeling of heaviness or fullness in the pelvic area, which may be accompanied by a visible bulge in the vagina.
• Difficulty completing a bowel movement: Trouble passing stool or experiencing chronic constipation due to the prolapse of the small intestine into the vaginal cavity.
• Feeling of pressure or pain in the pelvis: A sensation of fullness, pressure, or pain in the pelvic area, which may worsen during physical activity, sex, or standing for long periods.
• Low back pain: Pain or discomfort in the lower back that improves when lying down.
• Tugging sensation in the pelvis: A feeling of being pulled or tugged in the pelvic area, which may ease when lying down.

Other Possible Symptoms

In some cases, enterocele may also cause:

• Vaginal discharge
• Difficulty with urination or urinary problems
• Discomfort during sexual intercourse

It's essential to note that not all women with enterocele will experience these symptoms, and the severity of the symptoms can vary from person to person. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and treatment.

References:

[1] Small bowel prolapse (enterocele) occurs when muscles and tissues that hold the intestines in place inside the pelvic cavity weaken... (Search result 1) [2] Some women don’t have symptoms. When symptoms occur, they may include: Bulge inside the vagina. Difficulty completing a bowel movement (getting poop out). Feeling of pressure, achiness or fullness in the pelvic area... (Search result 2) [3] Signs You Should Get Help for Enterocele. You should get help if you have these common symptoms of enterocele: Feeling that something is heavy in your pelvis... (Search result 3) [4] Mild small bowel prolapse may produce no signs or symptoms. However, if you have significant prolapse, you might experience: A pulling sensation in your pelvis... (Search result 14)

Diagnostic Tests for Enterocele

Enterocele, also known as small bowel prolapse, is a type of pelvic organ prolapse where the small intestine pushes on the vaginal walls causing a bulge or protrusion. Diagnosing enterocele can be done through various methods, including:

• Pelvic Exam: A physical examination by a healthcare provider to feel for any bulges or protrusions in the vaginal area [12]. This is often performed during a pelvic exam, where the patient is asked to take a deep breath and hold it while bearing down like they are having a bowel movement (Valsalva maneuver) [1].
• Imaging Tests: MRI proctogram or videoproctogram can be used to confirm the prolapse of the small intestine [5]. These tests provide detailed images of the pelvic organs and can help identify any abnormalities.
• Defecography: A test that involves taking X-rays while the patient defecates, which can help diagnose enterocele by showing the movement of the small intestine into the vaginal area [9].
• Physical Examination with Valsalva Maneuver: This is a simple and non-invasive method to diagnose enterocele. The healthcare provider will ask the patient to take a deep breath and hold it while bearing down, which can cause the prolapsed small bowel to bulge downward [3].

It's worth noting that there is no specific test used to diagnose enterocele, but rather a combination of methods including medical history, physical examination, and imaging tests [15]. A healthcare provider may perform a pelvic exam to feel for any bulges or protrusions in the vaginal area.

References:

[1] Diagnosis To confirm a diagnosis of small bowel prolapse, your doctor performs a pelvic exam. During the exam, your doctor may ask you to take a deep breath and hold it while bearing down like you're having a bowel movement (Valsalva maneuver), which is likely to cause the prolapsed small bowel to bulge downward.

[3] A pelvic exam is needed to diagnose an enterocele. Your doctor will ask you to take a deep breath and hold it while bearing down like you are having a bowel.

[5] The most useful test for the enterocele or sigmoidocele itself is a MRI proctogram or a videoproctogram. This should confirm that there is a prolapse of the ...

[9] by GH Ruíz-Galindo · 2020 — Most cases are diagnosed during pelvic floor evaluation of other pathologies with conventional defecating proctogram (defecography), dynamic ...

[15] What tests are used to diagnose enterocele? Enterocele can be diagnosed through a combination of methods including medical history, physical examination, and imaging. However, there is no specific test used to diagnose enterocele. A physician may perform a pelvic exam to feel for any bulges or protrusions in the vaginal area.

What is Differential Diagnosis?

Differential diagnosis refers to the process of identifying and ruling out other possible causes of a patient's symptoms, in order to arrive at an accurate diagnosis.

Conditions with Similar Symptoms to Enterocele

According to various medical sources [1][4][5][6], conditions that may have similar symptoms to enterocele include:

• Rectocele: A condition where the rectum bulges into the vagina.
• Rectal prolapse: A condition where the rectum loses its normal attachment inside the body and protrudes out through the anus.
• Sigmoidocele: A type of enterocele that involves the sigmoid colon, which is a part of the large intestine.
• Vaginal cysts
• Cervical polyps
• Elongation of the cervix
• Tumors of the vagina or cervix

How to Differentiate Enterocele from Other Conditions?

A differential diagnosis for enterocele involves considering various factors, such as:

• The location and size of the bulge [7]
• The presence of other symptoms, such as pain or difficulty with bowel movements [11]
• The results of physical examination and imaging studies, such as ultrasound or MRI [6][10]

Conclusion

In conclusion, differential diagnosis is an essential step in accurately diagnosing enterocele. By considering the symptoms and characteristics of other conditions that may have similar presentations, healthcare providers can make a more informed decision about the best course of treatment.

References:

[1] Small bowel prolapse (enterocele) occurs when muscles and tissues that hold the intestines (small bowel) in place inside the pelvic cavity weaken. [3] [4] Small bowel prolapse, also called enterocele, is when the small intestine descends into the lower pelvic cavity and creates a bulge at the top of the vagina. [5] [5] An enterocele or sigmoidocele is a type of prolapse or internal hernia. It is a bulge that develops between the vagina in front and the rectum behind. [6] [6] Oct 15, 2018 — This study shows that perineal two-dimensional ultrasound and three-dimensional ultrasound are effective imaging methods for the diagnosis of ... [7] [7] An isolated enterocele can be differentiated from one present as part of a combined organ prolapse, and any other coexisting conditions can be diagnosed as well ... [11] [11] Differential Diagnosis. While the condition will be very apparent on physical exam, some conditions may have similar symptoms. The differential diagnosis for these symptoms includes rectocele, rectal prolapse, enterocele, and sigmoidocele.