Anterior Enterocele Immediately After Cystectomy: A Case Report

An enterocele is a peritoneal herniation through or into the vagina, typically as a posterior enterocele, which develops in the rectovaginal space (pouch of Douglas or cul-de-sac). An anterior enterocele in the vesicovaginal space is a rare condition, but a possible complication after cystectomy or hysterectomy. Herein, we report a rare case of anterior enterocele after cystectomy, which required semi-urgent intervention. The patient was a 78-year-old woman (gravida 2, para 2) who underwent laparoscopic radical cystectomy for bladder carcinoma 3 months earlier. Vaginal examination showed a large stage-3 anterior enterocele without the covering vaginal wall. A transvaginal surgery was performed to repair the vagina. Mesh and Martius flaps were needed to repair the vaginal defect. In conclusion, an anterior enterocele must be suspected when pelvic organ prolapse occurs after cystectomy, and surgical repair should be performed as soon as possible because an enterocele that lacks vaginal wall covering is at high risk of rupture.