Itching/Rash after ULAR, TME, & Ileostomy

[tarheelmom]

Last Tuesday I underwent laparoscopic surgery including ULAR, TME, and temporary ileostomy. The tumor was very low (3 cm from anal verge) and due to my anatomy, the surgeon had to make a straight anastomosis rather than a pouch. He transanally hand sutured the connection, and the surgery took about 4.5 hours. Recovery was pretty unremarkable - I only took Tylenol for the pain. I was standing/shuffling the evening of the surgery and walked a mile the next day. I was in the hospital for 4 nights with the last night added so that I could get one more session with the WOCN on the following day. Starting on Saturday, I seem to have developed a very itchy rash/hives around the incisions as well as underneath my breasts and on random areas of my torso. It seems to be spreading, and it's itchy enough that it kept me awake last night. I sent photos to the nurse who recommended Benadryl and wait to see what it looks like tomorrow. I'm not on any medication; I have no known food/skin allergies. Has anyone had a similar experience? I'm hoping I'm not developing a reaction to the ostomy pouching system/skin adhesive. Thanks!

[Nik Colon]

I see you said no meds. It does sound like some kind of allergic reaction tho.

[tarheelmom]

Honestly this rash is way worse than the ULAR surgery itself. It spread all over my abdomen including the peristomal skin making the changing of the wafer a little painful. Surgeon finally referred me to a dermatologist who diagnosed me with an allergy to the adhesive used in the surgical drape. I now have a topical cream to help relieve the symptoms. Good news is that it's nothing serious. Bad news is that it's likely to happen again with the ileostomy reversal. At least I'll be prepared this time.

[Nik Colon]

Honestly this rash is way worse than the ULAR surgery itself. It spread all over my abdomen including the peristomal skin making the changing of the wafer a little painful. Surgeon finally referred me to a dermatologist who diagnosed me with an allergy to the adhesive used in the surgical drape. I now have a topical cream to help relieve the symptoms. Good news is that it's nothing serious. Bad news is that it's likely to happen again with the ileostomy reversal. At least I'll be prepared this time.

Glad you found out and have something to help.

[Sams wife]

Hope it turns out ok. The ostomy nurse gave my husband kenalog spray, after a yeast medicine didn't work. It is a steroid spray I think. Sorry you have an allergy. not fun

[ALW]

The same thing happened to me. It turned out I was allergic to the prep they used on my skin for the surgery. My surgeon (who is awesome!) made sure to use a different prep for the second surgery and she washed it off of me after the prep (I was told later). I didn't experience any rash with the second surgery. Make sure you ask your surgeon if there is anything else they can do/use when you go in for your reversal.

[tarheelmom]

ALW,

Thanks. I am definitely going to ask if the surgeon can use a different drape and prep for the take down. Dealing with the rash was NOT fun.

[Sams wife]

I thought you meant just from illeo. A few days after surgery my husband had 3 "blisters" pop up. It looked like where the had tape on him after surgery. Under breast, side & belly. Of course 5 or 6 months later he ended up allergic to I guess the tape on wafer.