This topic is about a person who has undergone a colostomy and a complete anal closure, known as Ken butt surgery, due to rectal cancer. They are experiencing a persistent mucus-like discharge from the anal area and are seeking advice on whether this is a normal part of healing, an infection, or a sign of a fistula.

Here are some helpful insights and advice:

1. A fully closed anus, like in Ken butt surgery, should typically have little to no discharge. Persistent leakage might indicate an infection or a fistula, so it's important to have a surgical review.

2. It's common to have some light drainage for several weeks after surgery, which usually decreases over time. Patience is important during the early stages of recovery.

3. Antibiotics can often help if the discharge is due to an abscess or infection. If the discharge continues, further examination or imaging might be needed to check for a fistula or tissue damage from radiation.

4. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and, in some cases, a small placenta graft have been effective in healing tissue breakdown caused by radiation when other treatments haven't worked. It's worth discussing these options with the surgeon.

5. For fistulas that don't heal easily, treatments may include periodic surgical cleaning, long-term wound packing, or, if necessary, a gracilis-muscle flap. Some wounds may eventually heal without major interventions.

6. To prevent skin irritation or rash, consider using disposable underwear or pads, cleaning the area frequently with baby wipes, taking showers twice a day, and keeping your legs together when moving to avoid irritating the wound.

7. Certain activities, like bicycle riding, might temporarily increase discharge. Limiting or adjusting these activities could be beneficial.

8. It's important to have clear and detailed communication with your surgical team. Sometimes surgeons may not provide all the information unless you ask specific questions.