enterocele
Pronunciation: EN-ter-oh-seel
A hernia of the small bowel into the pouch of Douglas, creating a bulge in the posterior vaginal wall.
Full Definition
An enterocele is a type of pelvic organ prolapse where loops of small intestine herniate through the pouch of Douglas (rectovesical or rectouterine pouch) and protrude into the posterior vaginal wall. This condition typically occurs in conjunction with other forms of pelvic organ prolapse and is more common in postmenopausal women. The herniation may contain peritoneum and bowel loops, distinguishing it from a simple rectocele. Diagnosis often requires dynamic imaging or examination during Valsalva maneuver, and treatment may involve surgical repair with obliteration of the pouch of Douglas.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguished from rectocele by the presence of small bowel rather than rectum in the herniated tissue.
In Context
- "MRI defecography revealed a large enterocele extending into the posterior vaginal wall." — Radiology report
- "The enterocele was repaired using a sacrospinous ligament fixation technique." — Surgical procedure note