My initial surgery was an emergency Hartman's procedure on July 15th that resulted in a colostomy. The surgeon took minimal sigmoid colon (I believe 7 inches). He was very confident that I would have a reversal and said that I have plenty of healthy colon remaining. Because he is a general surgeon, he was very open to me finding a colorectal surgeon for the reversal since they are specialized. I met my new surgeon, and to my surprise, she said she wants to remove the entire sigmoid colon. That would reduce the risk of this ever happening again to 1%. I will see my general surgeon on Tuesday and will confirm how much he removed and ask his opinion on removing it all and/or getting another opinion. But, since this forum of resources exists, I thought I would ask the ostomy community. Does anyone have any insight on if this is normal or odd?
I think another opinion is always a good idea. Your medical team knows your specific situation and can guide you accordingly. In the meantime, you need to consider everything. It sounds like a third opinion will help in your decision. I have a different medical history from yours, but I did seek another opinion when I was miserable with my j-pouch and considering alternatives to an ostomy. That surgeon helped me see the whole picture, taking everything about my medical condition into consideration, and there was my decision. To me, a third opinion leaves no stone unturned. Others on here may be able to helpfully add their experiences. Good luck 🌷
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Reduce the risk to 1% of "this" happening again.
THIS?
I think I missed details on "this." I understand you had emergency surgery. Ended up with a colostomy. Thinking about a reversal. Got all that. đź‘Ť.
Your new surgeon is suggesting complete removal of the sigmoid colon to reduce "this" from recurring.
Define what "this" equates to, please.
Cancer?
Septic? 🤷‍♂️
Blockage? 🤷‍♂️
Rupture? 🤷‍♂️
Thanks and welcome. Good to have you. đź‘‹
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You did not say what caused the need for a colostomy. The most likely cause is diverticulitis. It is advisable to remove the sigmoid colon, which you will not miss. Removal of the sigmoid colon will prevent you from getting diverticulitis again. If the reason for the colostomy is malignancy, then the entire sigmoid must be removed to perform a good cancer operation.
Staying Hydrated with an Ostomy with LeeAnne Hayden | Hollister
For me, watching other people pass away from colon cancer—my grandmother and a female upperclassman friend from high school—only getting part of their large intestine/colon removed, leaving the rest to go to other parts of the body. They were diagnosed too late and probably could have had better dietary beverage choices. It's not the end of the world having an ileostomy instead of a colostomy. You may find Loperamide helpful for slowing down output if needed. Keep researching and conversing with other people to make the best decision for you!