Anal Stricture....colostomy pending

After having a colonoscopy where my GI doctor couldn't pass a probe through my rectal area, he referred me to a proctologist to be examined. The proctologist has said that surgery could not correct the narrowing what the GI doctor referred to it as a tight anal stricture. The proctologist has insisted that a colostomy is the only option after his initial exam along with the MRI information provided. He insists that this will improve my quality of life. I have had Crohns for several years now and I am using Humira for it. Has anybody had a colostomy to fix this problem or have they found an alternative? Colostomy seems to me like a very last resort versus the only option.

Terry, I haven't had a colostomy, but I also have an anal stricture and a rectal stricture. However, my doc has been able to pass a scope through. My GI has recommended for me to consider a colostomy and has cited "quality of life" benefits as well.

My questions for you are these: are you able to pass formed stool through the stricture? Do you have problems with constipation or getting "stuck"? Do you see any benefits to having the surgery? Have you taken stool softeners? I'd love to hear about your experiences with the stricture issue as I am in the same boat with the doc suggesting surgery too.

If I understand correctly a proctologist and colorectal surgeon are basically the same thing. So, it sounds like you are seeing the right doctor. Has anyone talked about a procedure called a dilation? I haven't had one, but my GI wants to do it during my next scope. I don't know all of what it entails, but basically they try to stretch out the stricture/narrowing. I have a friend who had it done a few times and they injected steroids into the tissue in the hopes that would help with inflammation which can contribute to build up of scar tissue in the stricture. I don't know how successful dilations are. My friend who had a few done ended up with the colostomy eventually anyway because the disease got so bad.

I have always considered surgery as a last resort also. Maybe it's exactly the right thing for you, but maybe you can ask about a dilation. That way you know you've exhausted all of your options before you commit to surgery. Then again, there are some people who get the surgery and they wonder why they waited so long. I don't know. I guess you have to ask yourself what YOU would be getting out of the surgery. I love my GI, but sometimes I think she wants me to do the surgery because it would make me an easier patient. Lol.

Stef

Post Edited (Stef17) : 1/22/2015 4:07:21 PM (GMT-7)

I would see a colorectal surgeon for another opinion. I had a rectal stricture removed in October via a flap procedure. Basically they removed the stricture and pulled down the colon tissue to rejoin. I did have some complications right after surgery but now am doing well. A second opinion never hurts.

Hi Katie, for many reasons it didn't go well and I'm basically on a cycle of dilations now. The surgery was at AGH in Pittsburgh.