This topic is about the concerns and experiences of people who have undergone or are considering surgery to remove the rectum and close the anus, often referred to as "Barbie/Ken butt" surgery. The main worry is whether the sensation of needing to go to the bathroom will persist after the surgery. Here are some insights and advice shared by others who have been through this:

- After the rectum is removed and the area is closed, most people find that the sensation of needing to pass stool disappears once they have healed.

- Some people experience mild, short-lived "phantom urges" or twinges in the early months after surgery, but these often stop entirely over time. Occasionally, mild phantom pain can occur years later, which some find useful as an early warning sign of an ileostomy blockage.

- In the immediate period after surgery, it might briefly feel like you still need to open your bowels, but this sensation usually fades as you heal.

- Many people report that the pain from the perineal wound is much less than expected, often described as "little niggles" rather than severe pain. The overall relief from pre-surgery pain or pressure, especially for those with ulcerative colitis or cancer, is significant.

- When deciding whether to keep the anus or a rectal stump, it's important to consider that leaving a stump can lead to ongoing issues like bleeding, discharge, or Crohn’s disease, which might require further surgery. Removing the entire rectum and anus can eliminate these issues but involves a more extensive operation.

- It's important to discuss potential side effects with your surgeon, such as the risk of erectile dysfunction and urinary changes, which can occur due to nerve-related risks associated with the surgery.

- After surgery, if you experience sudden phantom pain or pressure, it could indicate an ileostomy obstruction, and you should seek medical attention.