Discharge from Bottom after Rectal Surgery

Hi All
I am new here - advocating for my Dad. He is 77, was diagnosed with rectal cancer, had chemo and radiation, and then surgery to remove tumor. It was very low so surgeon did permanent colostomy and we thought he was having bottom stitched shut. He has been having a discharge from his bottom ever since surgery in June. Surgeon did another surgery to stitch up bottom some more in October - said he did several layers of stitches but did from outside (not going in thru stomach laparoscopic). Dad still having discharge - surgeon told him to put gauze up there to catch the discharge - Dad VERY frustrated, very uncomfortable. We were not informed pre surgery that this could happen and he doesn't see an end in sight - Doctor said he can't guarantee it will ever stop... Anyone else have this issue? Is there anything else they can do for it? Does it really last forever???

I can’t relate totally bc mine was a temporary ileostom, but it would make sense for some small amount of discharge if there is still a portion of the anus left. I think the body is just trying to heal and it’s sril absorbing and getting rid of what it absorbs? Maybe not bc what do I know. But that would be my guess. Sorry to hear about his frustration- can’t blame him!