Rectal discharge
People who have had a colostomy that has left their rectum and anus intact may experience a discharge of mucus from their rectum. Mucus is a liquid that is produced by the lining of the bowel and acts a lubricant, helping the passage of stools.
The discharge can occur as the lining of the bowel will continue to produce mucus even though it no longer serves any useful purpose. The longer the length of the remaining section of your bowel, the more likely you are to experience rectal discharge.
The mucus can vary from a clear "egg white" to a sticky, glue-like consistency. If there is blood or pus in the discharge, contact your GP because it may be a sign of infection or tissue damage.
Managing the discharge
The mucus can either leak out of your rectum and anus or build up into a ball which can become uncomfortable.
The pattern of rectal discharge can vary in each individual. Some people experience episodes every few weeks, while others experience several episodes a day.
Many people find that the most effective method of managing rectal discharge is to sit on the toilet each day and push down as if passing a stool. This should help remove any mucus that is located in the rectum and prevent it building up into a ball.
However, some people find it hard to remove the mucus in this way because they have reduced sensation in their rectum as the result of surgery.
If this is the case, contact your GP because you may require further treatment.
One treatment option is to use glycerine suppositories that you insert in your anus. When the capsules dissolve, they make the mucus more watery so that it's easier to get rid of.
In some cases, the mucus can irritate the skin around the anus. Using a barrier skin cream should help. You may need to try a few before you find one that works for you. Your pharmacist can advise you about the different creams available.
Some people have reported that eating certain foods increases the production of mucus. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this, You may want to consider keeping a food diary for a few weeks to see whether certain foods could be linked to an increase in the production of mucus.
Parastomal hernia
A hernia occurs when an internal part of the body, such as an organ, pushes through a weakness in the muscle or surrounding tissue wall.
In cases of parastomal hernia, the intestines push through the muscles around the stoma resulting in a noticeable bulge under the skin. People with colostomies have an increased risk of developing parastomal hernias because the muscles in their abdomen have been weakened during surgery.
Effective ways of preventing a parastomal hernia developing include the following:
- wearing a support belt or underwear
- avoiding heavy lifting and straining
- maintaining a healthy weight, because being overweight or obese can place additional strain on your abdominal muscles
Parastomal hernias aren't usually painful, but they can make holding the colostomy appliance in place, and changing it, more difficult.
Most hernias can be managed conservatively (without the need for surgery) with advice and support from your stoma care nurse. In some instances surgery may be required to repair the hernia. However, even after surgery the hernia can reoccur.
