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Sub-total colectomy tomorrow....I have a question.

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome
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Posted 10/19/2010 12:02 PM (GMT -5)
Hi all, I'm having a sub-total colectomy tomorrow for colonic inertia and had a question. My surgeon said he will remove all of the colon except the sigmoid portion and reconnect. I've heard from someone else who's had the some surgery for the same problem, but she said they removed her entire colon, including the sigmoid portion. She brought up the possibility that I may still have problems (including the possible risk, if any, of colon cancer) if they leave the sigmoid colon. Are there any benefits or risks associated with leaving the sigmoid colon intact??? I intend to ask my doctor about this, but I'd also appreciate some input from anyone who's had this procedure done with the sigmoid colon left intact.

Thanks very much for any and all input.

God bless.

                                              Tom

 

Posted 10/19/2010 1:47 PM (GMT -5)
I can't answer your specific questions Tom, as to if they leave the sigmoid does that raise your chances for colon cancer, etc. but I can tell you this, I am existing w/o 90% of my sigmoid (from cancer) and it's not easy living this way. The sigmoid is the colon's reservoir, it can swell much wider than the colon does and hold back stool. So ideally you can relieve yourself once or twice a day. I however go all the time, because I no longer have that internal reservoir, they pulled my colon down and reconnected me. So this "new" reservoir is much narrower and cannot hold stool for long (15-20 minutes). I have on average 15-20 bm's a day.

I would have to say the benefit of keeping the sigmoid intact is that you will return to more normal bowel function than I have.
Posted 10/19/2010 4:08 PM (GMT -5)

Oh wow, that really answers my question, Marsky. Thanks very much for that input. I guess both of my doctors had this in mind when they decided to leave the sigmoid colon. If it will make life easier for me, I'll keep it :-).

Thanks so much for all of your experienced advice and wisdom, I am grateful.

God bless you.

                                Tom

Posted 10/19/2010 9:23 PM (GMT -5)
You're quite welcome! Only too happy to have helped. Yes I predict keeping your sigmoid will make life much easier.

Good luck tomorrow!!! I'm sure you'll do fine.....remember to walk, walk, walk! Sounds like crazy advice and anyone above the age of 75 would probably balk at all that post-op walking but it truly does get you on the road to healing, faster than if you resisted walking. The older generation had long hospital stays and were told to lie in bed. Not anymore!

Finally, it sounds as if your surgeon has your very best interests at heart. That has to make you feel better about your surgery.

Keep us updated on your progress.
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