Colon cancer, removed cancer down low close to rectum, cannot hold stools, loose bowels
Patient: Hello Got a question. My wife had colon cancer, they removed the cancer down low close to the rectum . She worn a bag for almost a year, then then hooked her colon back up. The problem is because it was so close to her rectum she can t hold her stools and has a lot of very loose stools. Sometimes she goes to the bathroom about 10 times in a row. And after eating it gets bad, how long wills this continue and will it get better. Is there any advice you can give me, to correct her lose stools. She had her colon reversed and hooked back up a little over 6 weeks ago (Sep 5, 2013). Please help. Paul Doctor: Hi and welcome to HCM. thanks for the query. Certain abnoramlities in stool foramtion and defecation are expected after such surgeries and it should stabilize in next 4-6 months. All she can do at this point is to drink plenty of fluids and eat high fibre food,milk products,probiotics, fruit and vegetables. It is not matter if anastomosis was to close to rectum. It is just important than anals sphincter is saved. If yes, then she shouldnt have serious problem with stool incontinence. If symptoms persist she should do colonoscopy to rule out some other possible causes. Wish you good health. Regards