J-Pouch Surgery: Things To Know

J-pouch surgery, also known as the proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis, is a surgical procedure aimed at treating ulcerative colitis cases whose symptoms get out of control.

During this surgical procedure, the surgeon creates a j-pouch or ileal pouch anal-anastomosis (IPAA). In the first steps, the colon and rectum are removed. In the second step, the surgeon creates a pouch using the end of the small intestine. Due to its ‘J’ like shape, this surgically created reservoir is known as the j-pouch.

Things to know about j-pouch surgery

• This surgical process completes in 2-3 stages.
• During the first stage of treatment, the surgeon removes the colon and rectum while making sure that anal sphincters are preserved during the procedure. He then folds the small intestine into itself at the end to create a J-shaped pouch, which is then connected to the top of the anus.
• The surgeon creates an ileostomy to allow the newly formed pouch to heal. It is generally a loop ileostomy, which is quite easier to reverse later on.
• To manage your ileostomy, you are going to have to wear an ostomy bag the entire time. You will need to empty your ostomy pouch several times a day.
• It will take 8-12 weeks for your j-pouch to heal. Once that pouch heals, you will have to undergo another surgical procedure that will involve ileostomy reversal and reconnection of the small intestine.
• An increased risk of infection may lead the surgeon opting to complete the entire j-pouch surgery in one stage.
• The three-stage surgical procedure is recommended for the patients who are too weak to have speedy recovery required in a two-stage process.

What should you expect after j-pouch surgery?

Your body will take its time to adapt to the change that j-pouch surgery has brought in your body. Here is what you will need to expect after j-pouch surgery.

• Your j-pouch might give you up to 12 bowel movements a day when it starts functioning. This number decreases over time.
• The nerve damage during j-pouch surgery might give some male patients sexual dysfunction.
• Some female patients may develop scar tissues around their ovaries, resulting in infertility.
• Both male and female patients must discuss sexual function with their surgeon before surgery.

During the first stage of the treatment, you are going to have an ileostomy to manage. Make sure that you have all supplies that you need to manage your stoma. You may want to discuss it with your healthcare provider.