Sigmoid Colon cancer

Hi Gunfitter

Good question . Certainly I think it’s more common in rectal cancers and tumours that are located low down . My mum had a right side ascending tumour and no one ever mentioned a stoma . However I think other locations can need them to rest the colon and let it heal as a temporary measure which I think the surgeon makes that decision if required. 
You could ask our nurses on the helpline as they might be able to help you . 0808 808 0000

Hope your wife gets her treatment plan soon . So much better when that information comes through . The surgeons do seem to prepare patients if the possibly may require one before surgery ,

Take care ,

Court 

Thanks for your comment, Court.

Hi, I had a left Hemicolectomy in May '19...which involved removing approx. 10" of my descending Colon & part of my Sigmoid...which I think was the 'bend' you are referring to. I remember the surgeon showing me a drawn diagram...which looked like the upper part of the Sigmoid. (but prior to this, I had no idea of the physical workings of my Colon whatsoever.) I was warned about the possibility of a Stoma...following my Op. but fortunately, didn't need one...as the margins were good enough for a resection in that area.I am no expert, but get the feeling, that the lower down the cancer is, the more the possibility of the need for a Stoma.

Best, Marianne

Hi GunfitterI had a higher anterior resection. Which included the top of my rectum . My tumor was in the sigmoid and I had 25 cm removed . I was advised if the margin was tight then a temporary stoma might be needed . But it wasn’t I’m 8 weeks post surgery and healing nicely . 

Hello, my anterior resection was to remove a tumour within the rectosigmoid colon, just on the bend I would say. When the location was found, following my first and only colonoscopy, the operation was discussed as urgent as food was going to cause a blockage. It was quite a stressful time, to say the least. I was fully expecting a stoma, I went in and had the discussion with the stoma nurse, prior to the op and she placed a dot on my tummy with a black permanent marker as well. When I came to, following the operation I was fully prepared to see a stoma bag but turned out I didn't need one. It did seem to me, from my surgeon's proud look on his face, that it was down to his skill during the procedure, that resulted in me not needing  a stoma. I think it largely depends on how much is actually removed and how it all goes when it comes to being 'put back together' by your surgeon. 

Wishing you all the best during this time. Take comfort in knowing that many of us have all been through this and there really is a light at the end of the tunnel. I spent so much time thinking about the worst outcomes, but most of it didn't happen. Take care, best wishes. 

Hi Gunfitter,

I had a high anterior resection in september 2020 to remove a sigmoid tumour, was done by keyhole and didn't need a bag fortunately, i think it depends on how low down it is to the anus but hopefully your wife will be okay, following surgery they glued the incisions which have healed very well, 4 months of chemo tablets and 3 months later everything seems fine at the moment so i'm very happy with the outcome 

Wishing you both all the best for the future,

TG

Morning Gunfitter

Had an LAR in Jan '18 - no stoma.  Where are you having surgery?  I was diagnosed by a surgeon from Whiston, my wife , an NHS Dr had it swapped to the Royal.  Can't comment on Whiston but can vouch for the Royal, the building is falling apart, the surgical team were brilliant.   If you've any questions please ask, but you are at the worst point now, post diagnosis,  pre-treatment, it DOES get better.

YNWA - you red or blue?

Mike 

Thanks Mike. We live in Runcorn,  so at the moment Warrington are dealing with us. 

CT scan on Sunday. Both of us very worried about which stage she will be diagnosed at.

Thanks 

Thanks Rose