Anyone else have a Redundant / Tortuous Colon?

I had a complete hysterectomy five years after surgery for my twisted and redundant colon. This was back in 1989, so there was no laproscopic surgery then. For the hysterectomy, they cut me open through the same incision used to "untwist" my colon. Everything went fine, including recovery. However, as with any surgery, I did develop adhesions from both the surgeries, which now complicates the loopy colon and constipation. I take Linzess for that now. Best of luck to you!

I know this isn’t exactly the same, but.. my gi did a colonoscopy because he wanted to see how redundant my colon was and to do biopsies of my terminal ileum to rule out IBD. He was unable to get all the way there bc the prep wasn’t complete(despite my best efforts!). He did, however, learn that my colon is “like a roller coaster”. I was scheduled for surgery the following week to have my ovaries and tubes removed with a possible full open hysterectomy depending on biopsy results of the cyst on my ovary during surgery. So he called my surgeon and asked if she could look at the area while in there. She already planned to
Do an exploratory to look for a reason for my abdominal pain. So she actually took pictures for him. I didn’t have cancer so only the tubes and ovaries needed to come out, but she also confirmed the extreme tortuous colon. It in no way would have impeded, at least in my case, her ability to do the hysterectomy had it been needed. Not sure if this answers your question fully but hope it helps some.

@colleenyoung
Thanks for the quick response. The GI physician was from another hospital filling in. My GI doctor was retiring. So I guess I will have to talk to oncologist as I have such bad redundant colon. Takes lot to get me regular and not back up. I have bloating but not sure if fat, colon, or cancer?
Feeling scared and in shock as this caught me totally off guard. Thank you Colleen.

Hi Trish, I moved your message here to this discussion:
- Anyone else have a Redundant / Tortuous Colon? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/redundant-tortured-colon/

I did this so you can connect easily with other members talking about redundant colon.

You have a very unique question. I can't imagine that you cannot have surgery because you have a redundant colon. In fact, surgery is a treatment option for people with redundant colon who have complications due to their twisted colon. Most people do not have complications and aren't even aware that they have an abnormally long colon that has extra twists and loops.

I would definitely tell your oncology surgeon about your redundant colon and ask if that will have any impact on your surgery for uterine cancer or for recovery.

Are you able to contact the GI surgeon who did the colonoscopy to find out what was meant?

I had pre cancer polyps removed 5 years ago and was told I had a redundant colon and could never have surgery. I was still under sedation effects and was thinking later what did he mean? No surgery on colon? Or tummy?
Anyone have surgery, ie. Hysterectomy, with redundant colon and do OK? I just found out I may need surgery for uterine cancer and fear the redundant affects of colon. Anyone?

Omg, all my life. I really suffered as a child and had serious episodes of constipation throughout life. My colonoscopy a few years ago was torture--so painful they could not knock me out--and I have my second one coming up soon. It takes way more than the usual time frame for me to even get prepped too. Definitely gonna talk to GI beforehand. I read "Colowrap" can help but personally I want deeper sedation. Short of surgery, I do not know what helps. I eat lots of veggies, no meat or dairy, try to stay hydrated (that's the hard part!). Knee and hip replacements in last couple years seems to have made things worse. Maybe gut biome related? I take Akkermensia and other recommended.probiotics and extra fiber. Stil feels pretty hopeless.

I have had issues since I was in my early twenties (48 now). I went in many many times for help. I was told I had the flu, was too thin, maybe the edge of my liver was getting pinched? I was made to do an upper GI scope (never lower), HIDA scan, and obviously ultrasound. I was never diagnosed. I even had a two week period where I couldn't eat, was vomiting and could get no provider to listen to me. It wasn't until I went in for my first colonoscopy last month that my surgeon told me I had tortuous bowel. That explains EVERY intestinal issue I had. I wish more doctors considered this being a possible diagnosis and checked for it. Mine is bad enough, she could not complete my colonoscopy, so now I must go in for a CT colonoscopy. Still trying to figure out how to get my guts to work properly, but at least I have a direction to move now!

So thankful that the place that you got your colonoscopy diagnosed you with the redundant/tortuous colon. Dr G with Duke told me that mine is like that bc I am post menopausal! When I asked for some kind of documentation to learn more about it relating to the large intestine, she said that she doesn’t have any literature about this to quote from! Well, how can you tell patients this? Post menopausal drop pertains to the small intestine not the large. Plus the radiologist said that my large bowels were “unremarkable” even though they looked like a drunk M and twisted at the bottom. Would love to know where you get intelligent radiologist who tell the truth instead of blowing off patients with their “unremarkable” comments when it couldn’t be further from the truth!

Thank you for your help.

Hi Jayne,
Thank goodness you’ve been able to avoid surgery. For me, after a cloudy colonoscopy several years ago, I was diagnosed with a redundant/ tortured colon, as well. After a few years of daily doses of milk of magnesia, my gastroenterologist switched me to a daily dose of Mirlax (I use an off brand). Altogether, I’ve been using laxatives for years, now.
In addition, I maintain a strict diet of fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, fish, chicken and whole wheat. I drink large amounts of water every day, too. All of which works pretty well, leading to a BM most days with the exception of an occasional 2-3 day stretch w/o one.
I’m very religious in following this strict regiment. My only worry has been the continuous use of a laxative, but my doctor reassures me that it’s okay. —Bill