Redundant colon - Colectomy?

April 16, 2012

Hi All - I havent posted here in several years. I had a revision from RNY to DS

with Dr. K in 2003.

Back in 2005 I posted on several boards complaining about oil slicks and

bloating gas issues. After having a barium enema it was discovered that my large

intestine was long and loopy...ie a redundant colon. Dr. Keshishian suggested

removal of 3-4' of my large intestine. I opted not do this and oil issues

basically resolved themselves, along with my gas and bloating to a certain

degreen after taking Ultimate Flora50 Billion. Fast forward to 3th quarter 2011,

oil slicks have returned and I have been in denial as to having bowel

incontinence....for years actually.

Met with Dr. K on Friday and he said, DS patients do no have bowel incontinence.

I know this to be true, but have made excuses for needing to rush to the

bathroom or being unaware of incontinence issues. Dr. K says, this is due to

your redundant bowel which is like a C trap in a drain, it backs up and then

comes through once enough matter is there to push it on through. Again he

recommends a partial colectomy to remove a portion of my large intestine.

The thought of having this surgery makes me ill just in light of all the risks

and the downtime to go though this. Dr. K has suggested going to a colorectal

surgeon (saw one in 2005 who said Dr. K was out of his mind for wanting to

remove part of my bowel) but dont offer up his suggestion for surgery. He said,

let them check you out and see what they suggest for your incontinence before we

doing anything further.

In looking at past posts on various boards, I see that a few folks have posted

about having redundant colons, a colorectal surgeon suggested to someone to have

the partial colectomy, but possible leak is an issue.

Has anyone dealt with this or had incontinence issues? Dr. K says he is

preparing a paper that addresss the idea that the redundant colon is like the

redundant skin many have after weight loss and that this is the culprit for

incontinence, bloating, gas, etc.

Any and all feedback is appreciated. Dr. K says he is doing 1-2 colectomys per

month. Would love to hear from anyone's experience with this good or bad and

the end result.

Cellee

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