This topic is about the possibility of removing the rectal stump and colon without undergoing bariatric surgery, as well as concerns about managing pain after the procedure. Here are some insights and advice on the matter:

- It is possible to remove the rectal stump while leaving the anus intact, and you don't necessarily need to have bariatric surgery at the same time.

- There are different surgical options available:
1. A full "Barbie/Barry Butt" procedure, which involves removing the entire rectum and closing the anus.
2. Removing just the rectal stump while preserving the anus.

- If you choose to keep the stump and anus:
- This is an option if there is no current disease affecting those areas.
- Regular yearly check-ups are important due to a small risk of anal cancer.
- Some people experience issues like mucus or bloody discharge, which might require using pads or diapers.

- Some people opt for complete removal due to issues like chronic mucus, odor, inflammation, or unpredictable leakage.

- Regarding pain and recovery:
- Many have found that pain is well-managed in the hospital, and a short course of pain medication like oxycodone is often enough once home.
- Younger individuals tend to recover more quickly.

- Quality of life is an important consideration:
- It's a good idea to discuss with your surgeon how the surgery might affect sexual function, especially if there are changes to the pelvic area.

- If your original ostomy was not due to cancer, your future cancer risk is generally low. If the surgery is due to pelvic-floor dysfunction, surgeons often try to preserve the anus while removing only the diseased rectum.