Phantom sensations after excision of the rectum.

Forty consecutive patients were questioned after proctectomy to ascertain the presence and characteristics of phantom sensations. Twenty-six (65 per cent) reported the presence of these sensation. Once established, the sensations were permanent in 20 patients; in six, they disappeared after a variable lapse of time. The most frequent sensation was an urge to defecate, which may be very disturbing to the patient. Explanation of the phenomenon usually is sufficient to alleviate anxiety.