Many people are surprised to experience mucus or even small amounts of stool coming from their bottom after having a colostomy. While it can be unexpected, this is often completely normal.
If your rectum and anus were left in place during surgery, your body may continue to produce mucus and occasionally pass material through your back passage, even though most of your bowel output is now diverted to your stoma.
Why am I passing mucus from my back passage?
The lining of the bowel naturally produces mucus to keep itself healthy and lubricated.
If you still have part of your bowel, rectum and anus below your stoma, that section of bowel continues to produce mucus even though it is no longer being used in the same way as before surgery.
Over time, this mucus can build up and may need to be passed through your bottom.
This is a common and expected occurrence for many people living with a colostomy.
Why am I passing stool after a colostomy?
Some people may occasionally pass small amounts of stool or old bowel contents from their back passage.
This is particularly common if you have a loop colostomy, where both ends of the bowel form part of the stoma. In this type of stoma, small amounts of bowel content can sometimes continue to travel into the section of bowel leading to the rectum.
As a result, you may occasionally notice remnants of stool mixed with mucus.
Is it normal to feel like I need to do a poo?
Yes.
Even though most of your bowel output is now passing into your stoma pouch, you may still feel the urge to open your bowels.
This sensation can occur when mucus has collected in the rectum and needs to be passed.
The feeling is often very similar to the sensation of needing to have a bowel movement before your surgery.
If you feel the need to pass mucus or discharge:
- Sit on the toilet as you normally would
- Relax and allow the mucus to pass naturally
- Avoid straining or forcing it
- Give yourself time and let your body do the work
For many people, this becomes an occasional part of their routine.
What if I can’t control the discharge?
The amount of mucus produced varies from person to person.
Some people only notice it occasionally, while others experience more frequent discharge. If controlling the mucus becomes difficult, wearing a protective pad or small panty liner can help you feel more comfortable and confident.
When should I seek medical advice?
While mucus discharge is usually normal, you should contact your Stomal Therapy Nurse (STN) or doctor if you experience:
- fresh bleeding from your rectum or anus
- significant changes in the amount of discharge
- pain or discomfort
- foul-smelling discharge
- fever or signs of infection
- any symptoms that concern you
It is always better to seek advice if you are unsure about what you are experiencing.
How long will rectal discharge continue?
For some people, mucus discharge occurs occasionally for many years. For others, it becomes less frequent over time.
The amount and frequency depend on the type of surgery you have had and how much bowel and rectum remain.
Your STN can explain what is expected based on your individual surgery.
Key Takeaway
Passing mucus, and occasionally small amounts of stool, from your back passage after a colostomy is often completely normal if your rectum and anus remain in place. You may still experience the urge to “do a poo”, and mucus may need to be passed from time to time. Relax, avoid straining, and speak with your STN or doctor if you notice bleeding, pain, or anything that concerns you.
