Reversal is a big decision -- Help!

It's been a while since I've posted in these forums. I had an emergency colostomy back in Dec 2011. All has been well after my recovery from that surgery. It was definitely a life-changing experience. I've adapted fine to my experience with a pouch, but reversal is an option for me and I've been giving it a lot of thought.

My original emergency surgery was done by the general surgeon on call in the hospital that night (Christmas Eve!), and I've since been seeing a different surgeon who could possibly do the reversal laparoscopically. I still have a lot of apprehension as he is also a general surgeon who probably hasn't done a lot of reversals.

I guess my question here is, for those who have had reversals, did you have a general surgeon or a colo-rectal specialist? Was it open or laparoscopic? I'd love to hear some of your experiences and recommendations.

Needless to say, I'm pretty nervous about the thought of having another major surgery. Thanks for your thoughts!

If a reversal is possible, I would go with colorectal over general. And you can get a second opinion from another colorectal surgeon regarding the open vs laparoscopic approach.

I, too, had an emergency colostomy. The beauty, if such a term is appropriate, is that it can be reversed without too much ado, simply because it was due to an emergency instead of a disease.
My surgeon also was on call that night and did an excellent job. Saved my life. She told me that in a year I could have a reversal. I was eager to have it done, but patiently waited out the year. Then she hit me with a bombshell, said that she would not do the procedure and that I would have to wear the bag for the rest of my life. I responded by telling her that, "uh, uh that dog won't hunt"

I contacted another surgeon, I don't know but I believe he was a general surgeon. He pulled my records and said "let's do it." It was open surgery. He used the same scar marks to do the reversal, so I had no new scars. When I was recovering, I got to enjoy my first real fart and have enjoyed many, many more since. As far as I am concerned, he saved my life. I no longer have that stupid bag, had the procedure done and never looked back. Would I make the same choice over again, ha, without blinking an eye.

Had a funeral service in the backyard and buried the rest of the bags. R.I.P.

Thanks for the replies! The surgeon who performed the original emergency colostomy did a great job, and I am grateful to him for saving my life and giving me the opportunity to have a reversal. When it was time for the reversal (back in May/June), he said he would do it with an open surgery. I wanted to try to find someone who could possibly use laparoscopy. The surgeon I've been seeing is a recommended surgeon, skilled in laparoscopy, and a wonderful person. I like him and don't doubt that he could perform the surgery. Just my paranoia, I guess, about needing to seek out a colo-rectal surgeon. I guess I would feel less nervous having a surgeon who does this type of surgery as a matter of routine.

I have an appointment next week with a highly-ranked colo-rectal surgeon at a top-notch hospital. I'm looking forward to his opinion, and hopefully, I can have the reversal soon!

Haha, christiesdad! That service in the backyard is a great idea! (Just wondering, why did your original surgeon refuse to do the reversal?)

A colorectal surgeon did my surgery. I would have accepted none else. I am thankful to the surgeon who saved me and was willing to operate on me while I had sepsis. My philosophy was anybody can cut something apart - it takes a specialist to sew an organ back together and make it work!!!

I interviewed several top-notch surgeons, (all colo-rectal), and went with the surgeon who was patient, kind, and took the time to answer ALL of my questions without dismissing them or me for asking them. He understood that I would reasonably be frightened, (gosh - ya know - life support will do that to a girl), and that I would reasonably want and need my questions answered to feel less anxious by being informed.

OPEN SURGERY. PERIOD. Laparoscopy was the type of surgery that nearly ended my life with a careless surgeon poking around. I was cut open from sternum to pelvic region, plenty of room to truly SEE where you are untangling my guts from scar tissue and plenty of room to SEE where they were sewing me back together.

This was my choice. You will need to make peace with your own. I will pray for you!

OH, christiesdad - you crack me up!!!!