Enterocele, vaginal prolapse, pelvic hernia: recognition and treatment.

Notable cul-de-sac relaxations or defects in 624 patients included 49 small pelvic hernias, 551 enteroceles (265 small, 200 medium-sized, and 86 large), and 24 cases of total vaginal prolapse. Methods of recognition are described, and one is illustrated. Four methods of operative treatment are described briefly, and two of these are illustrated. Long-term postoperative follow-up is documented. Factors which may influence the development and evolution of enteroceles are discussed.