rectocele /rek″təsēl′/ [L, rectus + Gk, koilos, hollow] , a protrusion of the rectum and posterior wall of the vagina into the vagina. The condition, which occurs after the muscles of the vagina and pelvic floor have been weakened by childbearing, old age, or surgery, may reflect a congenital weakness in the wall and may, if severe, result in dyspareunia and difficulty in evacuating the bowel. Also called proctocele. Compare cystocele.
