bowel strictures, colostomy, adhesions

From: mm (mmhere@mac.com)
Thu Aug 15 15:43:32 2002


Hello, I've just found your board and have been reading the messages. I am overwhelmed! I'm looking for specific information.

I'm a colorectal cancer survivor, 47 years old, female, no evidence of disease after 3.5 years (YEAH). A stricture in my bowel resulted in a colostomy in June 2000, 1 year after my initial cancer surgery. It is a loop colostomy, not a permanent end colostomy, so I still have a functioning sphincter. Long story...not the point here.

My surgeon (same for both surgeries) remarked that I had such extensive scar tissue from the first surgery that he had to increase the vertical incision on my abdomen to get around and under the scar tissue to perform the colostomy.

Recent tests (colonoscopy, Barium Enema) show I can be successfully reconnected. Yes, this leaves lots of questions about my past surgical treatments. I'm not interested in going there. Sufficed to say I'm seeking opinions from other colorectal surgeons about this possibility.

Reconnecting could greatly improve my quality of life. But my biggest fear is adhesions and scar tissue making things worse than they are now. Carefully choosing a surgeon who is experienced in techiques which hopefully limit the amount of scar tissue seems extremely important if I choose reconnection.

Aside from word of mouth and other surgeon recommendations, how can I find a surgeon in my area (northern California) who is 1) a certified colorectal specialist AND 2) is very aware and experienced in techniques to minimize scar tissue and adhesions.

Also, does anyone here have experience with scar tissue that has caused strictures in your bowel? I'm afraid I'll make my condition worse by getting a third surgery rather than improve my quality of life. I'd like to hear about people who have gone through this and had success or failure as influenced by development of scar tissue and adhesions.

It does help to know I'm not alone. I belong to several other lists that focus on colostomies and colon cancer so this comes up quite often. But no good answers. Thanks in advance for sharing.

--
Cheers!
mmhere

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