irrigation vs BCIR

[2016minus2015]

I'm 48 and have a temporary ileostomy due to stage 1 rectal cancer. Recently, I learned that reversal is not favorable for me since I have a stricture colon. Devastating news indeed. Through my research, I think these are the next 2 best bagless options for me: Irrigation with a colostomy bag and BCIR - internal pouching system. Since this is an irrigation forum, I know alot of you have experiences and feebacks on irrigation. But, have anyone consider or even had the BCIR surgery at one time? Prior to my research, my surgeon recommended that I get a colostomy for less maintenance than the ileostomy. Also, since I had rectal cancer, future colonoscopies would be alot easier to do with a colostomy. As for BCIR, it seems like alot more complicated surgery and it can only be done in Florida. What if I have issues after my surgery in Massachusetts? But, the idea of just using a catheter to empty poop and bag free is just too tempting.

[steiconi]

This is the first I've heard of BCIR. It sounds interesting, you just put in a spigot when you're ready to go?
I'd be concerned that only one place offers the surgery. Is it experimental? How come nobody else is doing it?

Good news; colostomies ARE much easier to manage than ileostomies. I had a horrible experience with ileo 10 years ago; creases, recessed stoma, leaks on top of leaks, exorriation for the whole 3 months I had it. Now I have a colostomy. I wound up with creases and a recessed stoma again, but no leaks. YAY!

[markstan]

If you get a colostomy, will the stricture problem be resolved with the majority of your colon in tact? If so, you should well with the colostomy and irrigation. The BCIR procedure appears to be made for people without colons to mimic what one has with a colostomy. As I have said, if you can have a colonoscopy with the majority of your colon in tact then the colostomy using irrigation would in my opinion be your best option. Irrigation works quite well for most colostimates.

Mark

[2016minus2015]

Thank you steiconi and mark for your feedback and opinion.

Yes, if I was to go the BCIR route, then my remaining large colon would need to be removed. Getting a colostomy would not be possible after that, but I can still get an ileostomy if BCIR does not work for me. I've been talking to a few people who had the BCIR procedure and so far all of them had no regrets in getting it done. They all rave about the result. Even though a couple had some minor setbacks resulting in followup surgery, they said it was all worth it and would do it again w/o hesitation. I plan to attend their seminar when they are available near me. My backup plan is to get a colostomy. My wildcard is to do a redo which is basically starting over. More complicated, more nerve damage risks, long recovery period, no guarantee of good results. Scary.