Waht Causes Mucus Discharge From Rectum After A Colostomy?

Posted on Thu, 3 Apr 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 3 Apr 2014 Answered on

Fri, 25 Apr 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I have a colostomy and I have either stool or mucus coming out of my rectum. I've been reading on other sites and they've mentioned irrigating as a solution. I'm in a wheelchair, also.

Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (2 hours later)

Brief Answer: It is probably mucus! Detailed Answer: Hi and thank you so much for this query. I am so sorry to hear about this colostomy and the inconveniences this has caused you. Colostomies collect intestinal content at a higher level. This in no way means that nothing else can come out of the anus. The intestines normally secrete mucus to lubricate and fasten food passage through the intestines. When there is a colostomy upstream, no food reaches the distal colon. However, the mucus production continues and this goes out through the anus as mucus. It would be less likely for this to be feces because there is now way eaten food would be able to reach the segment of the colon after the colostomy into the anus. It is mucus. This is expected and cannot be stopped except the anus is closed a a mucus pouch left open for the mucus to be exteriorized. Taking proper care of this is the best thing to do. High level of hygiene and cleaning after. Other procedures like irrigation would help with cleansing but in no way can this prevent mucus from being produced and sent out. I hope this addresses your query fully. I wish you well. feel free to ask for clarification and more information if need be. Thanks for using our services. Dr. Ivo, MD.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Ivo Ditah (19 hours later)

Should I see a gastroenterologist? I am in a wheelchair and can't get on the toilet to irrigate

Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (30 minutes later)

Brief Answer: See your surgeon rather Detailed Answer: Hi and thank you so much for this follow up questions. A gastroenterologist would not be able to prevent this from happening. If this mucus that comes out by the anus must be stopped, you would need another surgery to get this done. Talk to your surgeon and hear what he thinks and also ask yourself if it is really that troublesome and there is no other way around it that you would want to get another surgery. I hope this helps. I wish you well. Dr. Ivo, MD.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Ivo Ditah (23 hours later)

Thanks for help. I will think about what you said

Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (5 hours later)

Brief Answer: Thanks for your help! Detailed Answer: Thank you so much for your kind words. I am happy you would be considering what I said. I a greatly humbled getting this from you. I wish you well and do not hesitate to contact me in future should need be. Thanks for patronizing our services. Dr. Ivo, MD.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad