This topic revolves around the decision of whether to undergo a colostomy reversal after living with a colostomy for five years. The person in question had major rectal surgery due to cancer and has been managing well with irrigation. However, the possibility of reconnecting the bowel has been suggested by doctors, leading to some uncertainty. Here are some key points and advice shared by others:

- The individual has a very small portion of the rectum left, which raises concerns about the success of a reversal.
- They have become comfortable with their current routine of irrigation, which they learned on their own through online resources.
- Local doctors in the Philippines have limited experience with irrigation, adding to the uncertainty.
- A conversation with a woman who had a reversal over 20 years ago revealed ongoing continence issues, as irrigation did not work for her.
- The individual's wife is against the reversal due to fears of potential complications.
- There are also concerns about a small hernia and a bulge at the stoma site. Two surgeons have suggested repairing the hernia and reinforcing the stoma with mesh, but the individual is wary due to negative reports about mesh.
- The person has already undergone an anal closure procedure, known as the "Barbie-bum."

Advice and insights from others include:

1. Before considering a reversal, gather detailed statistics on success and continence rates, especially given the small rectal remnant. Also, check insurance coverage for both the reversal and ongoing ostomy supplies if the reversal is declined.
2. Explore forum archives for personal stories about colostomy reversals to gain more perspective.
3. Some people choose to keep their stomas because they provide predictable control through irrigation or regular pouching.
4. Be aware that the "Barbie-bum" procedure is significant surgery, and some doctors might suggest a reversal for reasons not directly related to patient benefit.
5. If a reversal is pursued, consider continence aids like the Braun Iry Pump, which some surgeons recommend to prevent accidents post-reversal.
6. An ileostomate with a similar situation expressed doubts about reversal but is considering it due to existing issues like a prolapsing stoma and hernia that require surgery.
7. Personal comfort is crucial; one person mentioned they would prefer to keep their ostomy if irrigation had to be done rectally instead of through the stoma.