It will help you to better understand the J-pouch procedure and what to expect.
What Is J-Pouch Surgery?
In cases where the colon is extensively diseased and/or damaged, its removal may be necessary.
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These can leave you unable to leave the house for fear of having an accident.
This uncontrolled diarrhea is often accompanied by pain and sometimes blood in the stool.
When removal of the colon is necessary, you have two options for treatment: J-pouch surgery or anileostomy.
It allows for stool to continue to pass through the anus.
J-Pouch vs. Ileostomy
An ileostomy is a surgical bypass of the large intestine.
During this procedure, the end of the small intestine is separated from the beginning of the large intestine.
This creates a new path for stool.
This appliance adheres to the skin and has a removable bag where stool can collect and then be discarded.
Medically,ulcerative colitisis the most common reason for the J-pouch procedure.
For ulcerative colitis, the procedure is done in two stages.
A temporary ileostomy is created between the two stages.It allows waste to pass through a stoma (opening).
It is collected in an external pouch worn on the abdomen.
The ileostomy diverts stool from passing through the j-pouch so that the pouch is given time to heal.
During the Surgery
In the first procedure, the colon is removed.
The J-pouch is created at this point, but it will not receive any stool initially.
For several months after the first surgery, the newly formed J-pouch is allowed to heal and strengthen.
It passes into the J-pouch where it’s temporarily stored.
Stool then exits the body through the rectum as it did prior to the initial surgery.
In those instances, an ileostomy is not performed.
In some cases, surgeons perform surgery in three phases, but this is less common.
These procedures are complex and difficult to truly understand without visual aids.
For that reason, The Crohns and Colitis Foundation has created a video to clearly explain the J-pouch procedure.
This may seem very different from what’s considered normal for people without a J-pouch.
Most people will adjust in time.
You may also need to continue using some medications to decrease diarrhea and increase bowel movement control.
You may want to avoid spicy and hot foods, as well as seeds and nuts.
In these cases, you may elect to have an ileostomy or another procedure after having the J-pouch procedure.
Do not hesitate to discuss any issues with these medical professionals as they have likely seen the problem before.
It may be an alternative to a full ileostomy for some people.
Your healthcare team can discuss the risks and potential rewards of surgery with you.
The majority happen within three years of surgery.
The rate may be higher for different conditions.
For example, about 11% of patients with Crohns disease experienced failure according to other research studies.
The surgeries needed for a J-pouch procedure may take between six and 10 hours each.
Yes, but there is a significant risk of infertility.
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