Rectal Discharge After Ostomy Surgery
You may be under the impression that once you have a stoma bag you will stop passing anything through your back passage but what most of us are not told is that you could still have a discharge from your rectum and when it happens it comes as shock, it is quite normal and you should not worry unduly.
What is rectal discharge?
Rectal discharge is common after colon and rectal surgery with an ostomy. This discharge is usually caused by mucus. The colon and rectum produce mucus for protection and to help with the passage of stools. In some ostomy operations the colon and/or rectum are left in place. The remaining parts of the colon and rectum continue to make mucus, even though it no longer serves any purpose, which is then passed through the rectum.
How much discharge will I have?
The mucus can build up, and either leak from the rectum or dry up into a ball which may cause discomfort. Some people have rectal discharge every few weeks, while others have several episodes a day and others never experience it. The length of colon that remains will vary and the longer the colon that remains, the more mucus there is likely to be. The mucus varies from clear to brown in colour and can be a sticky, glue-like consistency. It may be liquid or formed.
Contact your GP if there's blood or pus in the discharge – it may be a sign of infection or tissue damage.
What can I do to manage the discharge?
One way to manage the discharge is to sit on the toilet and gently push down as if having a bowel movement. This may remove any mucus in the rectum and keep it from forming into a ball.
But some people find this difficult because surgery can reduce the sensation in the rectum. Contact your GP if this is the case, as you may need further treatment.
Glycerine suppositories that you insert into your bottom can often help. When the capsules dissolve, they make the mucus more watery, so it's easier to get rid of.
Pelvic strengthening exercises can help strengthen muscles that control the leakage of mucus.
You may want to use pads to protect your clothing.
It is possible the mucus will irritate or cause itching around the anus. Using a barrier skin cream should help (Sudacrem or E45 dermatology for example.) You may need to try a few different creams before you find one that works for you. Ask your pharmacist for advice.
Wash the area gently with plain water or use a moist wipe made for sensitive skin (baby sensitive wipes or water wipes) Do not use wipes with fragrance since these usually have alcohol which can irritate skin. Pat your skin dry to avoid irritation. Reapply your barrier cream after the skin has dried if you need to. Contact your doctor if you have rectal bleeding and pain. This may be a sign of infection or tissue damage.
Also consult with your GP if you have itching that lasts a few weeks as this may be an indication that something else is not right and quick simple examination of your rectum will eliminate other likely causes. Your doctor can prescribe a short course of a mild steroid cream.
Will my diet cause rectal discharge
Some people find that eating certain foods increases mucus production. While there's no scientific evidence to support this, you may want to try keeping a food diary for a few weeks to see whether certain foods could be linked to an increase in mucus production.
About Ian the Bodach
In August 2013 I had my Ileostomy formed. February 2016 (2½ years) I had rectal discharge which lasted for 30 hours and was like having diarrhoea.
July 2018 I had my Ileostomy replaced due to parastomal hernia. March 2019 I experienced rectal discharge which lasted for 6 hours.
I notice daily white chalky drops when I am washing my bottom.
I have a new parastomal hernia growing.
For information only.
Not to replace the advice of your GP or stoma care nurse
