UOAA Discussion Board

I was told today that I have stage 2 rectal cancer with NO (good news) lymphnode involvement. It's to low to reconnect so I'll have to have a colostomy. I know there is a new procedure that you don't have to wear a bag just irrigate it, can anyone tell me about it? I meet with the surgeon on Friday and would like to have all my questions ready. Thanks, Terry

Terry,
It sounds like you are talking about a Kock Pouch or Continent Ileostomy. This is something you only want a surgeon who has alot of experience doing it to do. I'm not sure they will do it for a Colostomy. I empty my Kock Pouch about 3 times a day using a catheter. I'd be happy to answer any questions you might have. You can post here, email me, or send me a Private Message (PM).
Lynne

Hi Lynne, Thanks for replying so quickly. So to have the Koch pouch you have to have an illeostomy? I was also reading on a site that if you have a colostomy that you irrigate that and your ostomy will eventually be trained to only drain at certain times of the day, is that correct? I'm trying to figure out what questions I should ask the surgeon on Friday. Is there another option for a colostomy?

Hi Terry,

You're right that the Kock pouch is for ileostomates--i.e., people who've had their entire colon removed. But irrigating your colostomy is certainly a possibility, especially if you're having a low, left-sided colostomy. Colostomy irrigation isn't exactly "new"--in fact, it used to be taught to colostomy patients more often than it is now. We do have a very active colostomy irrigation forum on this board. See http://www.uoaa.org/forum/viewforum.php?f=12

Hi Terry
I had a colostomy for 6 yrs from colorectal cancer. I irrigated after I finished chemo. Irrigation and wearing just a stoma cover gave me my life back. I'm in the fashion industry, single and dating, a colostomy bag was not going to work for me. It was easy and I read a lot in the bathroom sitting for about 40 min.
Good Luck to you.
Karmen