Recovery Period and Hospital Stay for Colostomy Surgery

I just learned that my rectal cancer can not be treated with radiation or chemo, so it needs to be cut out.  Its so close to my sphincter, that it must be removed too.  My surgery is not even scheduled yet, but I'm trying to collect information.  

What is the average hospital stay for a colostomy, and how long is the recovery period.  Basically, how long till I'll be able to return to work? Any other general information will also be helpful.  Thanks in advance for your help.

I also had rectal cancer although I had radiation, chemo and surgery.  Many, many surgeries.  Including the colostomy surgery.  My average length of stay was about nine days.  With the gut you have to be able to eat, drink, walk, urinate and move your bowels before they will release you.  It can take some time for those things to happen.  I was told to take it easy post-op for about six weeks.  I would start by asking your employer for six weeks off and take it from there.



Good luck!!

I had my anus, rectum and part of my colon removed, Nov 13 2009.   I was back to work in early Feb, 2010.  Was in hospital 10 days.  No problems since.  Just AMAZING what these surgeons can do to save ones life these days.

Hello,



The recovery time is different for each person. I was in the hospital for about 7 days after surgery. But was not able to go back to work right away. I was off work for a total of 9 months due to radiation, chemo and surgery. I do think that most of the reason I could not work was due to the wound vac I wore after surgery and the chemo treatments I received after surgery. The wound vac was something new back then but now I am sure it is prescribed more. It did wonders on closing up my wound, where my rectum use to be. I know how important it is to make a living but remember this is something major and the surgery is major and you need to let yourself heal fully before rushing back to work or you risk complications that could make you be off work even longer.

P.S. I forgot to mention, the reason for all this was in Feb. 2005 I found out I had stage 3 colon cancer. Thank God, I am a 7 year survivor.

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  Take Care of yourself, Tina