J Pouch Surgery

Hi,
  My husband has severe ulcerative colitis and is planning on the Ileo-anal anastomosis surgery.  I am a realist and am wondering about a few things:
1. How long is the recovery?  He is a teacher and it is hard to just leave work and not plan for the leave.  
2. Is it most often successful? His small intestine and illieum are not affected.  
3. He also has primary sclerosing colangitis (cholangitis), does this affect the surgery?

His family also has a history of gall bladder problems, is there any connection to colitis?  Has anyone that has had colitis had gall bladder problems?

[Ratnakar Kini, MD]

Hi UCWife,
1. It usually takes about 2 weeks for recovery if it is done as a single stage procedure. If it is done in two stages, it takes 2 weeks after each stages for recovery ( totally 4 weeks - this is an approximate value)

2. Many people who undergo this surgery are able to have normal bowel movements and it is "somewhat" successful and satisfying.

3. Many case reports have shown that performing ileo-anal anastomosis is safe in UC patients with PSC.

Ulcerative colitis is not usually associated with any increased risk of gall bladder problems.
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The information provided is for patients’ education only and is not a medical advice. Always consult your personal physician for complete evaluation of your health problem.

- Ratnakar Kini M.D.

[shaundsa]

My Father has polyps in the large intestine and rectum which has turned malignent, he has to undergo total proctectomy, can he still have a J Pouch in this case ? where in India can he udergo this surgery and under which doctor do you suggest

any information on the above would be really helpful

Thanks

***@****

[Ethandanielsmama]

Hi.  I had the J-pouch surgery about 7 years ago and it saved my life.  I wan't living before that surgery.  How is he teaching every day with UC????  I feel for him!

It is a very serious surgery--full reconstruction and the 2 week recovery mentioned, no offense doctor, is a minimum, and that is if everything goes perfect and he is healthy going into the surgery.  I was sick and underweight when I had mine--not the opportune time to have this surgery, but the doctors had no choice.  Since I was sick, I can't say for sure, but I would plan on a month of rcovery.  Is it possible that he could do it in the summer?  Then he would have plenty of time for re-cup.  

I had my surgery at the Cleveland Clinic and it was a 2 part surgery.  I was too sick to do them at the same time, and this was basic procedure then anyway.  The 2nd surgery is really a breeze after the first one.  The first one is the reconstruction, the second one is just freeing the bowel from your side and removing the ileostomy.  

Let me know if you have any more questions and what you decide to do.  Best regards.

[tammy3137]

I have ulcerative colitis. I have had it since 1995. I have been hospitalized 3 times in the last 6 months. I have tried every medicine out there for ulcerative colitis. They put me on Remicade back in Oct.'07 but no relef. They say that I am steriod dependent. Now they are putting me on the Humira. But seriously I really have my doubts about it too. What is everyones oppinion?

[2434]

A related discussion, Caustic Irritation was started.

[helpthehusband]

A related discussion, Restorative Proctocolonectomy was started.