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