Hole on rectal wall

Hello, I had cancer on my rectal wall and had it removed back in August of 2015. They performed an anal resection removing the affect area and reattaching the rectal wall to a part of the colon. Now while I was healing, an Abscess form inside on the outside of the wall. So the doctor opened up an area where I was reattached and allowed the abscess to drain.

Now, I had an ileostomy done so that area has not had any bowl moments through it for some time. I am getting a reversal done soon so I should gain normal use of this area. BUT, the drainage hole is still there and never resealed. The doctor told me we will leave the hole there and maybe even make it bigger to allow for drainage. He stated it is difficult to stich this area back up and the stiches do not normally hold.

I don’t understand why we cannot close this hole up? Is this normal procedure and can you live a normal life with a hole in your rectal wall? I need some answers before my surgery, any help is appreciated!

Thank you Jack, I have signed up and done so and will search around that site for answers. I appreciate your help!!