After a general health check-up, Uncle Zhang, a 70-year-old retired teacher, was unexpectedly diagnosed with rectal cancer. His life was suddenly disrupted by this diagnosis, facing an unknown future and complex medical decisions. Uncle Zhang and his family faced a difficult decision: whether to have a fistula and use a fecal bag. This decision is not just a medical issue, it is about his dignity, self-esteem and the quality of his daily life. 
Rectal cancer, the name sounds scary enough. It is a common malignancy, especially in middle-aged and elderly people. When doctors recommend surgery** and a fistula may be needed, many patients and families feel lost and afraid. Stoma, a term that sounds foreign and disturbing, confuses and scares many patients. But why do you have to have a fistula after rectal cancer surgery?What does it mean to use a manure bag?These are the problems that plague patients like Uncle Zhang and their families. Rectal cancer, a term that often brings deep concern when diagnosed. But understanding the rationale and necessity of surgery can help us move beyond fear and toward a positive response. Rectal cancer surgery is not only the removal of the disease, but also the reshaping of the patient's life. 1.Latent and detected rectal cancer usually develops quietly in the early stages of being asymptomatic. Early detection is possible only with regular medical check-ups, such as a fecal occult blood test or colonoscopy. Early detection means better outcomes and less impact on quality of life. 2.When is surgery needed?The best protocol for rectal cancer depends on the stage of the cancer. Usually, surgery is the preferred method when the cancer cells are confined to the rectal wall. The goal of surgery is to completely remove the cancerous tissue to reduce the risk of **. 3.Types and Effects of Surgery There are various types of rectal cancer surgeries, including local resection, total rectal resection, and rectal resection combined with ostomy. The choice of surgery depends on the location and size of the cancer and whether there are lymph node metastases. Surgery may affect bowel function, but advances in modern medicine have greatly reduced this effect. 4.Preoperative Preparation: Prepare both physically and mentally Before the surgery, the patient will undergo a detailed examination and evaluation. The doctor will explain the procedure, risks, and recovery after surgery. This is not only physical preparation, but also mental preparation. Understanding each step of the procedure can help patients reduce anxiety and build a positive mindset. 5.Post-operative life adjustments: Recovery after surgery is a gradual process. Patients may need to make changes to their daily habits, including diet, activity, and bowel habits. Working with your doctor and dietitian to develop a personalized recovery plan can help speed recovery and improve quality of life. 
The practice of having a fistula during rectal cancer surgery can be a source of confusion and concern for many patients and their families. However, understanding the medical causes of a stoma helps us better understand the process, as well as its importance to the patient's recovery process. 1.Reducing the risk of surgery for rectal cancer involves the removal and reconstruction of the bowel. In this process, a stoma can be effective in reducing the risk of complications during and after surgery. For example, with a fistula, contamination of the surgical site by intestinal contents can be reduced, thereby reducing the risk of infection. This is essential to ensure the safety of the patient's surgery. 2.Protect the intestines from healingAfter rectal cancer surgery, the intestines need time to recover and heal. A fistula drains stool away from the surgical site, reducing pressure and irritation on the site that has just been operated. Doing so aids in healing at the surgical site, reduces healing time, and reduces possible complications such as the formation of intestinal fistulas. 3.Preventing complicationsComplications after rectal surgery may include infection, bleeding, intestinal blockage, etc. A fistula can prevent these complications to some extent. By reducing the pressure on the intestinal contents, the tension of the intestinal sutures can be reduced, which reduces stress on the surgical site and helps reduce the risk of postoperative complications. 
4.Individualized planning** It is important to note that not all rectal cancer surgeries require a fistula. Whether or not to have a fistula, as well as the type and location of the fistula, needs to be decided based on the patient's specific condition, the type of surgery, and the patient's overall health. Your doctor will develop an individualized plan based on these factors.