The surgeon said it was reversible but I went to a different surgeon after I recovered--not trusting original surgeon, and the new surgeon advised me not to have another surgery that the risk out weighted the procedure and that he wouldn't touch me. He agreed that it was a miracle that I made it through that ordeal. He also referred me to have consultation with another surgeon who had worked at the Cleaveland Cininc well known for colorectal surgery even though he expected this other surgeon to tell me the same thing but that maybe I would feel better about getting second opinion. Still have to see this surgeon he works now at Columbia hosptial.