constipation dead large intestine

Has anyone ever had there large intestine removed. Should I get the bag or hook to the recdum.

[CalGal]

Pete, a lot of people have had their large intestines removed due to a number of conditions including colonic inertia. Check with Morecambe, a frequent poster on this board, for his story on having the colon removed.

[Morecambe]

I think the relevant posting to which CalGal alludes can be found on:-

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/show/523166

You may like to print this off and show it to your proposed surgeon to see if he/she agrees with my own observations.

Sometimes the surgeon can perform the operation laparoscopically which is less intrusive and thereby hastens the patient's recovery.

I think every case is individual but it may be possible for the surgeon to join the furthest end of the ileum to the top of the rectum and avoid the need for insertion of a colostomy bag or other artificial "apparatus".  This surgery is called ileorectal anastomosis (IRA).

If you decide to undergo this operation, I suggest that you seek out a hospital (such as one of the Mayo Clinics) and a colorectal surgeon who is  highly specialised in performing this operation - i.e. who does it "all day/every day" rather than a general surgeon who just carries out miscellaneous surgery such as hernias, ingrowing toenails and the occaisional IRA etc etc.

Do come back if you have any further questions.

regards
Morecambe


regards
Morecambe

[TrudieC]

I agree with everything Morecambe has mentioned.  I had my entire large colon and rectum removed due to ulcerative colitis.  In my case an ileal pouch (J-pouch) was created out of my small bowel and attached into my rectal muscles to create a new rectum.  I have been this way for 17 years and have a fantastic quality of life.

[mammo]

My son has had the J-Pouch since he was 12 and is now 39 living a very full, active life.