Rectal Diseases and Their Role in Perineal Hernia

Abstract

Rectal abnormalities frequently coexist with perineal hernia. The three commonly recognized are deviation, sacculation, and diverticulum. If not corrected, these problems may lead to incomplete rectal emptying at defecation, persistent straining, and breakdown of the herniorrhaphy. Diagnosis of these abnormalities is by physical examination, with confirmation by barium enema. Amputation of rectal sacculations was performed during perineal herniorrhaphy on four dogs, three of which had previously had multiple recurrences of perineal hernia. None of the four experienced further straining or reherniation during a 12 to 16 month period following surgery.