This topic is about understanding what happens inside the abdomen after the colon and rectum are removed. The person who shared their experience recently had more surgery and noticed some changes in how their abdomen feels and sounds. They are curious about what now fills the space where the colon and rectum used to be and whether other organs, like the ileum, have moved into that area.

Here are some helpful insights and advice:

1. After the colon and rectum are removed, the remaining organs, including parts of the small intestine like the ileum, tend to spread out to fill the space. The abdomen is quite packed, so there isn't much true "empty space."

2. It's common to feel sensations of shifting, gurgling, or pressure inside the abdomen after such surgeries. Many people notice gas or bowel loops moving, especially against the pelvic floor or lower back.

3. Even without a rectum, some people still feel urges to defecate or experience a sense of downward pressure. This is often due to the body's internal structures, like the visceral sac and membranes, adjusting as the organs settle into their new positions.

4. These sensations usually decrease over time as the tissues heal and the intestines find a stable position. However, occasional awareness of movement can continue without being a cause for concern.