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Rectal Discharge following Stoma Surgery

Rectal dischargeIt is possible to experience rectal discharge even if you have a colostomy. Whetherthis causes any problems varies from person to person. As it is a private issue,many people don’t talk about it, making the size of the problem unknown.

Not everyone with a stoma will have a discharge from the rectum.

One of the most common surgicalprocedures resulting in the formationof a permanent colostomy is calledan Abdomino Perineal Excision ofRectum, or APeR for short. Thisinvolves the removal of the rectumand anus. The end result is a scar inthe area where the anus used to be,and once this has healed there is noexternal bowel opening.

In other surgical procedures, such asa Hartmann’s Procedure or theformation of a loop stoma, therectum is left in place. Ostomateswho have had this type of operationmay experience discharge throughthe anus.

Hartmann’sProcedure

LoopColostomy

LoopIleostomy

AbdominoPerinealExcisionof Rectumor APeR

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