Ileo-Anal Pouch

To treat ulcerative colitis, surgeons my need to perform an ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA), otherwise referred to as an ileo-anal pouch. This is an internal reservoir, which is placed where the rectum would ordinarily be.

To create it, your surgeon will fold loops of small intestine onto themselves and then either staple or stitch them together. Once the internal walls are removed, a reservoir is formed. The lower intestine where the pouch has been created is then attached directly to the anus opening. All of the muscles surrounding the rectum are left intact, so bowel moments are relatively normal.

The actual procedure is performed in two stages. In the first, your surgeon will remove the large intestine, attaching it to an opening in the abdomen. In the second surgery, the pouch is formed and attached to the anus opening. It usually takes one to two weeks to recover from each surgery.

An ileo-anal pouch is a major procedure, but it can mitigate problems related to ulcerative colitis. Before the surgery, doctors at Celebration Colorectal will go over the procedure, any potential risks and post-operative care required so that you can make a full recovery.

If you're interested in learning more about ileo-anal pouches or ulcerative colitis, please make an appointment today.