Success Rate of Reversal Procedures for Seniors

I am 75, and the doctor says I can do a reversal. But I read there are a lot of failures with this procedure for my age group. Has anyone here had a successful reversal in my age bracket?

Pati, I was encouraged to go for a reversal with a j-pouch and wound up opting for a permanent ostomy after five years. The j-pouch was giving me problems, infections, and pain that needed constant meds. I would ask your doctor what he or she considers a "successful" reversal. What will you be facing? J-pouch or just reconnection? Did you have Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn's? Do you have good sphincter control? How do you feel about your ostomy? Are you okay with it? Did it give you a good quality of life back? Do you have issues like leaks? Sorry for the ton of questions, but I do think they are all factors in reversal outcome and worth asking about before you make your decision.

G-Day Pati,

I see from your history that you have a colostomy. A colostomy can sometimes have a better result for a reversal than an ileostomy, but I would say if you're handling your stoma well and having no problems, then consider staying with it. If you're a fit and healthy 75-year-old, then consider the operation; if not, you have to decide which way is best for you.

Regards, IGGIE

I had an ostomy reversal a year ago, and I am 81. The surgery went well. So far, I'm not experiencing any problems. I felt getting this surgery was the best for me, and I don't regret getting it done.

I had a colostomy for about 1 year and had the reversal done on April 1st...so about 4 months ago. I am 71...

I have had very few issues, and considering the alternative (not having a reversal), it has been well worth it. I did not handle having an ostomy well at all, so for me, it was necessary for my mental health.

Good luck with your decision.

My Ostomy Journey: Keyla | Hollister

A consultant explained this to me as follows: J-Pouch reversal surgery has a high success rate on paper, but the stats only consider a "success" to be that the procedure itself was completed on the day. "Success" doesn't consider the later impact on quality of life; some may be better off with a J-Pouch, while others will find they're having to go to the toilet more often than with a stoma, have to dash to the toilet if they eat or drink certain foods, and in some cases suffer incontinence. Those in the latter category in particular tend to go back to having a stoma. This advice was for people with an ileostomy.

As someone who has managed the bag well enough to work and hopefully still has quite a few working years ahead of me, I took the view that the risks outlined above were too much to take, but it depends on your circumstances.

I totally agree with Scott,

My J-pouch operation was a success, but living with it for 18 years was a disaster.

I went back to my ileostomy, and my life now is fantastic.

But it's all up to the individual.

Regards, IGGIE