Advice Please

I had my ileostomy done in 2006. They left my rectum intact and I too have a discharge of mucous mixed with a little blood. I have diversion colitis in my rectum which my gastro guy monitors annually. I'm fine with it and I have no need for further surgery...at least for now.

Exactly. The diversion colitis has been there for years. To me it is a minor distraction. Occasionally, I'll get a stabbing sensation with an "urge" to use the bathroom, but all it takes is a quick trip to the bathroom to satisfy the urge and the stabbing sensation goes away.

Hi guys! I am the female version of you two. I had ulcerative proctitis for twelve years before having surgery in 2010. My surgeon took the rectum and colon but left an itty bitty bit of tissue in the anus. In other words, no Barbie butt for me. His explanation was that he felt there are more complications when the anus is removed. I know it would have been a longer surgery and I was a real sick cookie going in for surgery. I did find out that the surgeon called my husband and daughter from the OR and told them there was an issue with bleeding, so maybe he just wanted to get in, do the job and get out. I don't have any leakage from the anus, however, I do have vaginal spotting and discharge (TMI?) I was thoroughly checked out by my gyn on numerous occasions and she said everything checks out fine in that department. My original surgeon retired in 2013. I am currently seeing another colorectal surgeon because the disease is back inside the anus, this started in 2014. I don't have any discomfort, other than the discharge. I am using hydrocortisone cream, just a bit, inside the anus. I have to have yearly biopsies, which I am scheduled for one Feb 6th. My main concern was developing cancer inside the anus but my current surgeon said there is 0 - 4% chance. I'll take that chance rather than put myself under the knife again. It was explained to me that to remove the anus is a MAJOR operation. At 71 years of age...ah, no thanks. Good luck guys!

Can you have a jpouch & reconnect if they remove the rectum? Are you interested in that? Some people are interested, and others don't like the idea. I would imagine whatever would have come out your butt, would come out your stoma if you have no rectum and you're sewn up. In Christine's case, I think she's sewn above the anus and the 1 inch that's left causes the mucous. I asked my GI about the possibility of cancer after jpouch surgery. He said it's exceedingly rare. Doesn't mean it doesn't happen, but I guess the small intestine isn't likely to develop cancer like the colon. With the rectum, yes, it could be a risk down the line, but I would think with proper monitoring, you have options.

I love my jpouch, but it's not for everyone, and you're right, the end ileo is at lower risk for issues. If I had an ileo, and I knew I wanted to keep it permanently, I think I would probably have the surgery to be done with the rectum - especially if it gave me problems. I can understand the other side too, who wants to have surgery if it can be avoided? A little discharge that's not urgent or frequent, isn't really a big deal. I guess you will meet with the surgeon & get the pros and cons and see how you feel about moving forward. I guess the long-term cancer risk is probably the big question. Is it significant? Let us know what you find out.