Considering Ostomy Reversal with Hernia Complications - Advice?

I was asked by my colo-rectal surgeon if I would like to consider a reversal?? Think about it, he said.

🔒 Login to see image



I have a cecostomy for more than 6 years now and still open the other end. I have 3 ventral hernia repairs in my belly and one at the sygmoid area. All repaired with mesh.



20 some years ago my colon perforated because no one was able to diagnose that I had diverticulitis  and I was getting constant issues, so the perforation and peretonitis, took 4 days to know if I was to live or die. Finally after all the antibiotics in me kicked in I survived.

I woke up with a colostomy at the sygmoid area but it was reversed 3 months later.



Anyway my question is now that I have another ostomy ( in different area, it is upper right of my belly) that I am told that I have a 2 or 3 % chance of infection getting this reversed, and I also have a herniated ostomy.

So my questions is, has anyone had similar situation and how succesful was it. At first I was disturbed because I had been told better to stay the way I was as it was very risky, now this specialist whom I hear that he is the best.

Of course it would be great to have it reversed and now that I know I have a herniated ostomy as well, scary. That could be dangerous as well the hernia I mean, it could create many issues, so what to do??

🔒 Login to see image

I am 70 years old. Wonder if they would do a tummy tuck too while he is at it?????? Yes I am vain.

i wouldnt chance it..!

Thank you for the response. I was actually considering it because I am concerned about the herniated ostomy, it can be quite dangerous if it acts up. Yes it is scary to have it reversed, but I feel confident in this surgeon, I will make a decision by March 2014 and see if I still want to do it.

But just wondered if anyone else on the forum has had reverssls while they had ventral hernia repairs as I have.

Travel, if there is a compelling medical reason for the procedure and your surgeon is highly competent and trustworthy, then you should consider going for it. But I am concerned about your ago, 70, and heavy duty surgery. I have heard reports of rectal leakage due to weakened sphincter control. Additionally, you may not have infections, but you may have a lot of minor inflammation and irritation to deal with. For these reasons I chose not to have a reversal in 2010. I felt like leaving well enough alone, and I am ever glad I did. Good luck with your decision-making and tummy tuck!

   PB

Thank you Primeboy,

It is heavy on my heart in making the decision. 70 years old but actually very active and travel a lot. my only concern I guess is those hernias repairs in my belly, just worried they will create issues, but the surgeon seems to think it not an impossible thing. Also is the concern of the herniated ostomy ... maybe that is his concern as well? Guess I need to discuss it further, he said think about it and in March we can see how I feel about it.

My husband is quite supportive in whatever decidion I make. I guess I need to also find out the lenght of recuperation as I am planning a trip to Madagascar next September.

I welcome all input.

🔒 Login to see image

Words of Encouragement from Ostomy Advocates I Hollister