Has anyone had colo-anal anastomosis surgery and a colostomy reversal?

magillilnb
magillilnb Member Posts: 39 Member
in Anal Cancer #1

I needed a colostomy for my anal cancer because of a fistula between my vagina and rectum. Now that my treatments are over and the cancer is gone, my colorectal surgeon believes she can reverse the colostomy. I will get a temporary ileostomy and she will do a colo-anal anastomosis at the same time, then after 2 months, she will undo the ileostomy. 

Have any of you had this procedure, and if so, would you please comment on it?

 

Comments

  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    #2
    Colo-anal anastomosis

    I'm sorry that I can't pass on any info to you about this surgery.  Do you know yet when you will be having surgery?

  • magillilnb
    magillilnb Member Posts: 39 Member
    #3
    mp327 said:

    Colo-anal anastomosis

    I'm sorry that I can't pass on any info to you about this surgery.  Do you know yet when you will be having surgery?

    MP327

    Near the end of this month, my surgeon is going to anesthetize me, so she can probe more and take a biopsy.  Depending on what she finds, she will determine which type of surgery to do and when.  I know I would have the ileostomy for 8 weeks, so the anal area could heal after she removes my rectum and sews the colon to the anus. The muscles of the colon are different from those of the rectum, so there's some period of learning how to poop again. It's a little scary, but I really want to get rid of the colostomy if possible. 

  • eihtak
    eihtak Member Posts: 1,473 Member
    #4
    magillilnb said:

    MP327

    Near the end of this month, my surgeon is going to anesthetize me, so she can probe more and take a biopsy.  Depending on what she finds, she will determine which type of surgery to do and when.  I know I would have the ileostomy for 8 weeks, so the anal area could heal after she removes my rectum and sews the colon to the anus. The muscles of the colon are different from those of the rectum, so there's some period of learning how to poop again. It's a little scary, but I really want to get rid of the colostomy if possible. 

    magillilnb....

    Hi, I have a colostomy as well although my situation is different and I am unable to have it reversed. I have though heard of this surgery with many positive results.

    Usually, an internal bag (so to speak) call a j-pouch is made out of the colon to serve as the resevoir that was previously the rectum.....kind of a cool idea. While your bowel is healing the illiostomy is used for 2-3 months.

    I am also a member on a site  C3life    You may want to check it out. It is for people with all types of ostomies and has a forum for people dealing with reversals. Another good source is www.inspire.com   look for the ostomy section.

    From what I know there is an adjustment period to be expected and some diet restrictions or at least foods more likely to present a problem, but will hope all goes great for you.

    katheryn

  • magillilnb
    magillilnb Member Posts: 39 Member
    #5
    eihtak said:

    magillilnb....

    Hi, I have a colostomy as well although my situation is different and I am unable to have it reversed. I have though heard of this surgery with many positive results.

    Usually, an internal bag (so to speak) call a j-pouch is made out of the colon to serve as the resevoir that was previously the rectum.....kind of a cool idea. While your bowel is healing the illiostomy is used for 2-3 months.

    I am also a member on a site  C3life    You may want to check it out. It is for people with all types of ostomies and has a forum for people dealing with reversals. Another good source is www.inspire.com   look for the ostomy section.

    From what I know there is an adjustment period to be expected and some diet restrictions or at least foods more likely to present a problem, but will hope all goes great for you.

    katheryn

    Katheryn

    Thanks for responding and for the ostomy forums information. I'll check them out.

    Nancy

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