Understanding J-pouch Surgery
J-pouch surgery is a procedure used to treat severe UC. The J-pouch, an ileal pouch type, can replace the colon and rectum inside the body. Surgeons create the ileal pouch from the end of the small intestine, known as the ileum.Similar to other IBD surgeries, J-pouch surgery is only recommended when UC medications are ineffective. In some cases, the procedure is performed urgently for conditions such as toxic megacolon and uncontrolled GI bleeding.
J-pouch surgery, also known as proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA), involves removing both the colon and rectum. A section of the small intestine is then used to create a J-shaped pouch for collecting and aiding in waste removal.
J-pouch Surgery Treats:
Ulcerative colitis
Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)Colon and rectal cancer
Understanding J-pouch Surgery
J-pouch surgery is a procedure used to treat severe UC. The J-pouch, an ileal pouch type, can replace the colon and rectum inside the body. Surgeons create the ileal pouch from the end of the small intestine, known as the ileum.Similar to other IBD surgeries, J-pouch surgery is only recommended when UC medications are ineffective. In some cases, the procedure is performed urgently for conditions such as toxic megacolon and uncontrolled GI bleeding.
J-pouch surgery, also known as proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA), involves removing both the colon and rectum. A section of the small intestine is then used to create a J-shaped pouch for collecting and aiding in waste removal.
J-pouch Surgery Treats:
Ulcerative colitis
Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)Colon and rectal cancer
How Does the J-pouch Surgery Work?
The J-pouch surgical procedure for ulcerative colitis (UC) is typically conducted in either two or three stages. During the first stage, the surgeon will remove both the rectum and the colon. Then, they will take a section of the small intestine, known as the ileum, and form it into a J-shaped pouch. After this, a temporary ileostomy will be created to allow the newly formed pouch to heal. This involves pulling a loop of the small intestine through the abdominal wall to form a stoma, which enables waste to exit the body into an ostomy bag.
Following the healing of the J-pouch, the second stage of the procedure will be performed approximately 2 to 3 months after the first stage. During this stage, the surgeon will disconnect the ileum from the temporary ostomy and then reconnect it to the J-pouch created in the initial surgery. Subsequently, waste will collect in the J-pouch, allowing for the natural passage of stools through the anus.
In certain cases, a three-stage surgery may be recommended. This additional step involves directly connecting the J-pouch to the anus. The three-stage process may be considered necessary in scenarios such as emergency surgery for bleeding, toxic megacolon, high-dose steroid use, or overall poor health.
Treatment At a Glance
Purpose
Procedure Duration
Anaesthesia
Purpose
Ulcerative colitis, bowel cancer & FAP
Pain
Moderate to high
Procedure Duration
2–4 Hours
Recovery Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Drive
At least 6 weeks
Anaesthesia
General
Recovery Time
Pain
Drive
Benefits of J-pouch Surgery
Better Quality of Life
J-pouch surgery helps improve overall well-being, giving you more energy & making you feel healthier.
Better Bowel Control
This surgery gives you more control over when and where you have bowel movements.
Fewer bowel movements
After J-pouch surgery, you may have fewer bowel movements, although more than someone without the surgery.
Quicker Recovery
Laparoscopic J-pouch surgery involves smaller incisions, leading to a quicker and less painful recovery process.
No More Medication
J-pouch surgery can eliminate the need for daily medication to manage your condition effectively.
Quicker Return to Normal Diet
After recovering from J-pouch surgery, you can eat normal-sized meals again and enjoy previously restricted foods.
Cost of J-pouch Surgery
Consultations start at £200. Please request a callback by filling out the contact form. We look forward to assisting you!
Why Choose Leicester Bowel Clinic?
At Leicester Bowel Clinic, we focus on bowel health and conditions, digestive issues, and cancer care. Our clinic offers minimally invasive procedures for bowel problems, ensuring effective results and patient comfort. We aim to provide personalised care for our patients and offer the latest treatments for hernias, bowel conditions and rectal disorders
Patient Testimonials
Mr Chaudhri is an excellent surgeon I can’t thank him enough for the operations he performed on me after i was diagnosed with bowel cancer, the care he showed me before and after the operations, his friendly nature and reassurance was a great help to me during a stressful time in my life i owe so much to him and i will always be grateful to him and his colleagues .
Written by an NHS patient
I’ve been under Mr Chaudhri’s care for around 2 years now and he has always shown me the best, personal care I could ask for.
Written by an NHS patient
This doctor spoke to you and made jokes to make you feel at ease. He was also clearly very knowledgable, and his words/advice were comforting and I left feeling uplifted. With regards to the procedure itself, he wasn’t aggressive but nor was he too slow where you had time to consider the slight discomfort; the pace and strength were fine and made for a quick and easy colonoscopy.
Written by an NHS patient
Our Locations
Leicester Bowel Clinic at Spire Hospital
- Wednesdays evenings (Mr Runau) from 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm at: Spire Leicester Hospital Gartree Road Leicester LE2 2FF
- To arrange an appointment directly with the Spire Leicester Hospital, please call the booking line on 0116 2653685
*Free on-site parking is available.
The Health Suite
- CLINICS The Health Suite Thursday evenings (Mr Chaudhri) from 6:00pm until 8:00pm at:The Health Suite, 624a Uppingham Rd, Leicester LE7 9QB
- To arrange an appointment directly with The Health Suit, please call the booking line on 0116 241010
*Free on-site parking is available.
Leicester Bowel Clinic at Nuffield Health Leicester Hospital
- 1st and 3rd Friday of the month (Mr Chaudhri) from 5:30 pm until 8:00 pm at: Nuffield Health Leicester Hospital, Scraptoft Ln, Leicester LE5 1HY
- To arrange an appointment directly with The Nuffield Hospital, please call the booking line on 0300 1311416
*Free on-site parking is available.
FAQs
01. How long does a J-pouch last?
Most J-pouches function reasonably well for 15 to 20 years, but about 10 to 15% may need to be removed or de-functioned.
02. Can I live a normal life with a J-pouch?
Living with a J-pouch means using the bathroom normally but more frequently. At first, you may have over 10 bowel movements a day, but it usually settles down to between 5 and 10.
03. What is life quality after J-pouch surgery?
About 90% of people are happy with the results. Within a year after the surgery, most people have fewer bowel movements. They typically have 5 to 6 bowel movements daily and one or two at night. Having a J-pouch doesn’t affect pregnancy or delivery.
04. Is J-pouch surgery painful?
After the first stage of J-pouch surgery, the body needs time to recover. Having an ostomy bag is not painful, and most children can resume normal activities.
05. How should you sleep with a J-pouch?
Wear a pad or panty-liner and use barrier cream at night to prevent irritation. Empty the pouch before going to bed. Some people find it helpful to sit on the toilet for a longer time before bed to allow the pouch to empty completely.
06. What foods should you avoid with a J-pouch?
Limit foods that may increase the amount of waste in your pouch, such as alcohol, beans, corn, oranges, leafy greens, nuts, tomatoes, and spicy foods. Also, avoid caffeine-containing foods like chocolate, coffee, and very sweet foods and drinks.
07. What are the complications after J-pouch surgery?
The most common long-term complication is pouchitis. This can cause symptoms like abdominal cramping, increased stool frequency, urgency, incontinence, nocturnal seepage, pelvic discomfort, and joint pain.
