HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

rectum removal

Support Forums
>
Ostomies
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 3/1/2009 3:50 AM (GMT 0)
My husband is returning to the Cleveland Clinic in a few weeks for a yearly check-up.  He had his colon removed two years ago this June.  At the time, they did not remove his rectum.  Last year Dr. Stocchi said that we would assess when his rectum would need to be removed.  We are hoping that new techniques have been developed in the past two years.  If there is anyone that has had this done in the last year, we would like to know about the procedure and how long the healing process takes.  Thank you.
Posted 3/1/2009 4:24 AM (GMT 0)

Nancy1--I had a proctocolectomy at the Cleveland Clinic in Feb 08...my diagnosis is Crohn's.  I am not familiar with your husband's situation...what is his diagnosis?  Does he have an ileo?  Why did they keep the rectum? 

My recovery took a few months, but I had everything done at once.  The rectum being the least painful...but it can come with complications just like any surgery. 

Posted 3/1/2009 4:46 AM (GMT 0)
My husband had Ulcerative Colitis for 32 years.  He now had an ileostomy and thought he might want to have j-pouch surgery in the future.  Since the operation he has decided to live with a permanent ileostomy so he still needs to have his rectum removed because of UC.  He was wondering the recovery time for this surgery alone.  He was able to go back to work after 6 weeks after his colon was removed but I heard that the rectum removal surgery may take longer.

Posted 3/1/2009 1:26 PM (GMT 0)
Ok, that is what I thought...since mine was incorporated, I cannot give you a time frame, but I thought the rectum was less painful than the incision for my open procedure...I will tell you the rest of my story, but it is not to scare you, just inform you...if you don't want to know, stop reading!!!!

about 5 1/2 months post surgery, I had a rectal area abscess (I also had fistulas with my Crohn's so that could be the reason). It wasn't until I went in for surgery that it was discovered how deep it had become. It was cleaned out and I had a wound vac to help heal it faster...I was VERY impressed with how the wound vac helped speed things up...unfortunately, my insurance only covered a small amount so once I had to discontinue that, I packed the area for about 1 1/2 months to finish closing it...for me it was no big deal (mirrors are great), but for your husband if that is the case, you may have to pack it several times a day. I was still able to do my daily activities once the wound vac was removed (about two weeks)...I didn't really want to leave the house with a tube coming out of my pants (to a machine, too)...but having an open sore in that area wasn't debilitating.

You'll have to see what your doc says about recovery for your husband during your appointment. Your husband's diagnosis may make the difference for a better recovery!! And, like you have probably heard a million times, we are all different! I would love to hear how it goes and good luck to you both:)
Posted 3/1/2009 2:37 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Nancy 1,

 

I have Crohns, and had my colon removed in '97. I finally bit the bullet and had the rectum removed last July.

I found it to be a tougher recovery than the colectomy. My healing has been slow, but is fairly typical of Crohn's patients. UC patients should heal faster, no doubt. I was off work for 10 weeks this time, but had a few complications that set me back a bit. 6-8 weeks off is about normal.

The thing that threw me about this surgery is that I went from being very well to feeling like crap again. The colectomy situation was the reverse, which I've decided I prefer.  :)

 

My surgery involved two incisions, one in the belly, and the other in the backside. There may be surgeons doing it laproscopically ? Not sure on that one.  Some leave the rectal incision open and pack it while healing, others close it, like my doc.

 

My main advice for you guys would be to ask lots of questions of your surgeon. I found out about stuff after the surgery, which can sometimes add to the stress of recovery. My surgeon is very good, but like many doctors, won't offer more than the basics unless asked.  :)

 

All the best on the surgery, it'll be good to get it "behind" you, so to speak. 

 

Regards,

Mike

✚ New Topic ✚ Reply