Stoma Reversal Decision

Since my December 2024 surgery, I've been vacillating about the reversal. I saw the first colorectal surgeon a couple of weeks ago who felt very confident about the reversal of the stoma, hernia, and granuloma repair. He came highly recommended and avoided any discussion about risks and complications. I chose to obtain a second opinion from a Northwestern surgeon who took the time to examine me, discuss my medical history, and read the risk assessment article from the American College of Surgeons. Though the statistics were no great surprise, he implied that at 83, these risks, though not extreme, were unnecessary and asked if I thought I had any restrictions with the stoma that prevented me from any activity. I did think there were some things I couldn't do, and he indicated there was nothing I couldn't do even with the stoma. Furthermore, he said I did not have a hernia at all, which was startling since that was one of the main driving points to do the reversal. He was also very candid that if I could continue to change the bag and apparatus without much difficulty, then why not just avoid the even remote chance of any of the complications resulting from the reversal? Even though I find the daily bag change a chore, it is better than enduring any of the other consequences that accompany the reversal. I am still trying to find pants that fit properly and don't rub against the bottom of the appliance. I keep trying expandable waist pants that I order and return from Amazon.
The lesson learned once again is to obtain second or even third opinions. As we all know, hospitals, etc., earn their greatest revenue from surgeries.

Sounds like you have good instincts and that second opinion was smart. Living the rest of your life with an ostomy really doesn't have to restrict you from doing anything. My only question is why you need to do daily pouch changes? This should not be necessary unless there is some specific problem, especially with a colostomy. Why are you needing to change so often? Are you not getting a good enough seal? Have you tried lots of different products and combinations? With some help and advice, maybe you can improve this situation.

Terry

I had my colostomy surgery during a bowel obstruction surgery in October 2024. I had reversal surgery scheduled for June 5, along with hernia repair, and after much debate, I have chosen not to have my reversal. I don't want to deal with the risks of problems and having to have another colostomy done if it doesn't heal right, which I'm at risk for, and all that goes with it. I'm okay with keeping my bag; I have a good routine and no more skin issues or anything.

Hello,

As Terry mentioned, you shouldn't have to change the bag every day. I have a colostomy and use the Hollister 2-piece system. The bag snaps onto the wafer. It takes less than a minute to change a bag. I'll change a bag every 2 to 3 days and the wafer every 10 days. Changing a wafer too much will tear up your skin.

I considered reversal. I had an hour-long consult with my most excellent gastroenterologist. He was willing to do it. I was 66 and had survived 13 surgeries before my colostomy one. I really didn't feel like "rolling the dice" one more time. Plus, right before I got the colostomy, I had completed 46 rounds of Tomo Radiation treatment for prostate cancer. I decided to live a little... stay out of the hospital.

My doctor agreed with me. He said most patients fought to get a reversal, even if they were not good candidates for it. Many ended up with a diminished quality of life after reversal.

I would be happy to see 83. And there's no way I'd be going under the knife at that age unless my life was in danger.

I did a lot of research about my colostomy. I read the full surgical report and had over 12 inches of sigmoid colon removed. I looked it up: What does the sigmoid colon do... and how long is it? Well, the average length is 16 inches. It collects and stores stool, helps form it into a turd, then when the signal arrives, off to the toilet we go. I didn't have much sigmoid left, so there was no storage space for stool to collect and form... Meaning I would be visiting the toilet frequently after reversal.

My gastro surgeon was happy I chose to keep the ostomy. He said, "I wish more of my patients were level-headed."

Call ostomy supply companies. They all offer free samples and have ostomy nurses on staff to help. Look them up on the internet. Once you get the ostomy stuff working well, life gets much easier.

Good luck.

Gosh, that's quite a U-turn! I had a Hartman procedure 9 weeks ago and was told that it would be at least 18 months before a reversal could even be considered. Also, only a 40% success overall. I had diverticular disease. Do you think since you're in the USA, surgeons are more proactive because of the $ sometimes? A lady of similar age was in the same position pretty much as you that I was talking to. She also didn't opt for the reversal.

Words of Encouragement from Ostomy Advocates I Hollister

I have an ileostomy but tried the reversal, and it was a disaster. I also used to change the pouching system every day to find out I wasn't using the right products. The decision is totally yours, but I don't want any more surgeries at all if not needed. My temporary ileostomy became permanent for me.

I had no choice in mine becoming permanent. I was planning a reversal for 6 months and then two weeks or so before surgery my surgeon called me into her office and said a reversal wasn't possible. That I didn't have enough large intestines left to reattach. I was kind of glad and kind of mad. I was glad because I didnt want to go through another surgery that would have disastrous outcomes. But mad she didn't tell me sooner. It's hard when you plan for a reversal only to find out you can't get one. But I can see your point too if you tried a reversal and it was a disaster then that can be worse. I am sorry your attempted reversal was so bad.