Measuring the space between vagina and rectum as it relates to rectocele

AIM:To measure the normal space between the posterior wall of the vagina and the anterior wall of the respectively rectum using computed tomography(CT) and reveal its were relationship to rectocele. METHODS:A total of twenty female volunteers without rectocele were examined by CT scan.We performed a middle level continuous horizontal pelvic scan from the upper part to the lower part and collected the measurement data to analyze the results using t-test. RESULTS:Twenty volunteers were enrolled in the study. The space between the posterior wall of the vagina and the anterior wall of the rectum was measured at three levels(upper 1/3,middle,lower 1/3 level of vagina). The results showed that the space from the posterior wall of the vagina to the anterior wall of the rectum at the upper 1/3 level and the middle level was 3.896 ±0.3617 mm and 4.6575±0.3052 mm,respectively. When the two groups of data were compared,we found the space at the upper 1/3 level was shorter than at the middle level(P<0.01).Moreover,at the lower 1/3 level the space measured was 10.058±0.4534 mm.The results revealed that the space at the lower 1/3 level was longer than that at the middle level(P<0.01). CONCLUSION:These measurement data may be helpful in assessing rectocele clinical diagnosis and functional outcomes of rectocele repair.