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Colon Resection After Colonoscopy
Approximately, 2 yrs ago I had a resection at the junction of the large and small intestine (5” of the large intestine removed as well as the valve between the two intestines) It was required as a result of a perforated bowl during a routine colonoscopy. The resection was conducted in an emergency situation. Afterwards, there was normal and abnormal pain. I healed over a long period of time (6 mos). However, during the hospital stay, I was experiencing major pain and learned thru an extensive test that the gall bladder was functioning at 70%. I chose not to have the gall bladder removed for two reasons. 1, insurance wouldn’t cover elective surgery and 2, I didn’t want to live wo a gall bladder for clinical reasons. Now, fast forward 2 years and the pain has returned on both sides of the stomach (internal pain) and it is intermittent. There is also excruciating pain when bowels move which is also intermittent. I don’t want to go to the doctor and complain as I know I will likely go thru another Colonoscopy. After this past occurrence, I made a decision not to do that again knowing full well they removed seven polyps. I am 66 now and in fairly good health. In the past 5 years I’ve had reconstruction of C4-C7 using cadaver bone and titanium and breast cancer resulting w a mastectomy. Should I be concerned w this return pain? How do I avoid another colonoscopy? I’ve had three colonoscopies in previous years.
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Hello @3042685802 and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I am sorry to hear of the pain you are experiencing. I can also understand your hesitation to have another colonoscopy after your previous experience. You have certainly addressed a lot of health issues and it is understandable to put this one-off, however, it will undoubtedly need to be addressed if the pain is that severe even on an intermittent basis.
Are you seeing a new GI doctor now? If not, you may have more confidence in another doctor. It would certainly be good to get a second opinion on what may be causing the pain. If you are able to go to another doctor you might try to go to a large medical facility such as a university medical school or a facility like Mayo Clinic. These types of health care facilities do a lot of research and use a multi-disciplinary approach to understanding what is going on. They are the best resource to help a person with a hard to diagnose the problem.
Would you be able to make an appointment at a health care center like this?
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1 ReactionHave you had a ct scan? Or a gallbladder ultrasound sound? Those tests might show the source of the pain. A colonoscopy may not be warranted and I certainly would not have the same gastroenterologist who perforated my bowel anywhere near me. It takes several years for a polyp to become cancerous so I wouldn't jump to the conclusion that that is what has happened to you.
I agree with @rits that you may not need a colonoscopy to find out where your pain comes from. Ultrasound is used often as well as CT and MRI.
You had major abdominal surgery- there could be adhesions.
Keeping your gallbladder is a great decision as long as it doesn’t cause serious problems. I wish I still had mine!
I also had a mastectomy as well as several colonoscopies - once with perforation. I’m lucky to live close to the hospital and could get treated fast. I was so sick, but avoided surgery.
See if you can find another gastroenterologist- I went to Mayo for care after the local doctor caused the perforation.
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1 ReactionGreetings! I am new here. I am 75 year old femaleI that had a Sigmoidectomy (7.5 inches removed) July 22, 2021. Very successful. Recovered quickly. No cancer just the dang diverticulitis grabbing my sigmoid. I had colonoscopies 15 and 7 years previously with the diagnosis “looped colon.” Had various CT scans and barium enemas — two different states. Third move to NC, new doctor wanted to see for himself. Diagnosed severe constricting sigmoid with diverticulitis. Yikes. Sorry for all the background. Plan to see my doctor at one year to discuss my belly. The right side of my belly sticks out A LOT … looks like it is definitely part of the colon?! Why didn’t it “go back in?” I am not overweight and used to have a pretty flat stomach. I’m not exactly wearing bikinis any longer, but still ugly. Sit-ups do nothing … I know I am lucky, no cancer and otherwise healthy. Just disappointed I guess!
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1 ReactionHello @viclee and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I appreciate you sharing about your Sigmoidectomy last year. I can imaging how frustrated you must feel about the post-surgery bulging. Does it feel uncomfortable or painful or is it just unsightly?
Here is a discussion on Connect which you might find interesting and helpful, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/colon-cancer-22c04d/?pg=3#comment-113889. In this discussion, members discuss their distended stomachs after colon surgery. As you look at these posts, feel free to hit "Reply" if you would like to comment or ask any questions.
Did this bulging occur right after surgery or was it later?