APR Surgery recovery

Hi Loliver

Just going to pop this back up to the top ! I can’t help I am afraid but hopefully someone will be able to soon .

Court 

Hi Laurence

My hubby had Laparoscopic APR surgery with permanent colostomy bag. Thankfully, he didn't need open surgery or flap surgery.

He was in hospital for 13 days with an NG tube, due to a blockage. They won't let you leave the hospital until your bowels wake up and you have a BM. Make sure that you get up and walk ASAP, after surgery.

Once home, my hubby lived in an electric  reclining  chair for a month with an egg crate cushion. Don't put too much pressure on your butt wound, as you don't want it to tear or open up.

He was able to sit in a regular chair after 2 months, without much pain. . He still uses the egg crate cushion, 2 years later.

His butt wound healed perfectly, without any issues at all. 

He has become a pro at changing his colostomy bag and flange.

Everyone heals differently, some quicker than others. Take it easy the first few weeks after surgery. Your body will tell you what you able to do, and when.

I hope and pray that all goes well during your surgery, and that life can get back to your new normal ASAP for you!

Sue

Thank you Suzie - some good advice!

I guess my significant takeaway from this is that its unlikely to be fast and that patience is key.

You mentioned flap surgery - in what circumstances do they typically do this?

Thanks again and hope your husband goes from strength to strength!

Hi Loliver. You’ve had a great reply from Sue and you could also try typing APR in the search box at the top of the screen and that will take you to previous posts? x

Hi Laurence

My hubby was supposed to get one. The plastic surgeon was in the surgery theatre waiting their turn. But,  the colorectal surgeon worked her magic, and was able to keep enough perianal skin to stitch him up!

I found this for you:

"If the distance to the tumor is short, an extended rectum amputation (also called a cylindrical rectum amputation) is performed. More of the pelvic floor is removed for this procedure. The defect in the pelvic floor or perianal skin must often be reconstructed with a net or swing flap consisting of muscle and skin. At the Radium Hospital, this is done in collaboration with a plastic surgeon. "

Sue

Sue, i just just had this procedure done on the 18th of Jul, 2022. I was wondering if discharge from where the anal, rectum, and sigmoid we're removed and sutured, if discharge occured in your husband's situation? I am experiencing discharge, much like the fluid that was being sucked into the bulbs that were attached to me while at the hospital. I am not running a fever, vomiting or feeling dizzy. I just want to be sure that this discharge is nothing to worry about. I have looked all over the internet and can't seem to find anything on this. Can anyone respond?

Hello.

hope you dont mind me commenting.

I had an APR back in March and I leaked a brown colour fluid from my wound, my consultant said its normal to leak as it's the body healing itself.

Hope you feel better soon and are up to full fitness.

Best wishes,

Adam

I had a discharge from the wound where my anus had been after my panproctocolectomy which had to be dressed.it took almost 6 weeks to heal.just managed it in time to start chemo or I would have had to wait (they wont give chemo until healed)

Kath

Thank you so much for the response. I feel much better knowing that someone who has gone through this is has experienced the same thing. Thank you, again.

Thank you for responding. I hope your treatment is going well and that you are well on your way to recovery.