Considering Colostomy Reversal After Kidney Transplant

I have had my colostomy for 2-1/2 years now. At the same time that diverticulitis destroyed my sigmoid colon my kidneys failed so reversal surgery wasn’t really my priority while on dialysis. Having the colostomy was actually a blessing during treatments. Last September I had a successful kidney transplant and have returned to a “new normal” life.

I’m seeing a colorectal surgeon tomorrow to inquire about whether or not a reversal would be possible. I have a peristomal hernia and my stoma has flattened on one side causing occasional leaks when my output is on the firm side. I will also inquire about hernia repair and stoma revision if the reversal seems too complicated because of the transplant. 

I would be interested to hear from anyone who has had reversal surgery after a couple of years with colostomy. Was it successful? Were you able to establish regular bowel habits?

Also anyone with hernia repair and or stoma revision. Are you happy with the results? How difficult was it to recover? Was it worth another surgery? 

Lots of questions here, any thoughts or advice would be appreciated.

I had a hernia repair. It was nothing serious. Actually, they did surgery on my liver too at the same time. Resectioning I can't help you with. Not my cards. Good luck with the doctor. Always get a second opinion. That's what I do, and if you do that, make sure you bring your imaging with you. Save it from having to do it all over again. Good luck! Jim

I'm having one. My advice as a man over 60: ignore everyone and do what you want, what's best for you. I hardly use this site now because I know what I want, come hell or high water.

"Ignore everyone"?

Oh, you're gonna get spanked.

A bit busy right now. Will reply when time permits, Mr. Hell or High Water.

That's great.. let us know how it works out for you.

Words of Encouragement from Ostomy Advocates I Hollister

A reversal was an option for me, but I chose not to.  There are many considerations and one is what type of ostomy you have.  Reversals with colostomies do have a better chance of success, but you mention that your colon was destroyed, so I'm wondering how much of it you have left?  The more colon, the better chance you have of a successful reversal, in general that is, but there can be many complicating factors.  Does your surgeon recommend it? It would also be really good to get a second opinion.

Terry

What a careless, reckless, and insensitive statement this is.

"Do what you want. Ignore everyone."

You must be a very intelligent man to know the outcome of situations without questions being asked. That, or you are an incredibly lucky fella.

Here is a member, clueless and in need of advice prior to going ahead with surgery, and your advice is to just ignore what members suggest or comment?

Thanks for rarely checking in.

Whew! Keep dodging that bullet.

Good luck with your surgery, too.

Hello, I had a colostomy for 8 months due to a botched biopsy which perforated my sigmoid colon - I had to have all of my sigmoid colon removed emergently.  During my time having a colostomy I had a parastomal hernia, which was repaired during my reversal surgery this past Jan. 30th.  The reversal went great and my bathroom habits went back to normal very quickly - no issues with that!  

I was told before my reversal that they really don't fix parastomal hernias unless they are causing major problems -but every surgeon is different.  It's good that you're seeing a colorectal surgeon about this.  Wishing you the best!  

There is a surgical risk calculator that inputs your age, weight, other health issues, emergency or not, etc., and calculates your various surgical risks for specific surgeries -- in my case, reversal of the Hartmann procedure. Two different surgeons calculated my risk of dying at 3%. I told them both that 0.1% was too high. Imagine being told that if you walk into a room with 999 other people, chances are one of you isn't coming out -- NO THANKS! Too many people depending on me, about whom I care deeply. Happily married. Life is short enough. Living with a bag is just God's way of keeping me humble, and there are a lot worse ways for God to make that happen!

For some people, life with a bag isn't worth living.
I don't understand it, but I'm not them.
Listen to EVERYBODY! Then do what's right for you.

And Momsy, if you have had a transplant and are immunocompromised, remember the greatest risk with a reversal is infection.

Thanks for your comments. I came to the same conclusion after seeing the colorectal surgeon. It turns out what I had been told was a peristomal hernia was not, just where the intestine is looped under the muscle wall. I also don't find living with the bag that bad, and my husband isn't bothered by it either. I'm grateful to be alive and enjoying life.