The J-pouch is one of the three main options available to patients who need an ostomy after colon removal. Unfortunately, the J-pouch doesn’t always provide the intended results. In fact, in some cases, the J-pouch fails completely.
Dealing with a failed J-pouch can be very frustrating for patients. Fortunately, an experienced surgeon can resolve the problem by replacing your failed J-pouch with a Barnett Continent Intestinal Reservoir, or BCIR.
A BCIR, which may also be referred to as a “continent ileostomy,” is an alternative to the J-pouch and the conventional ileostomy. During this procedure, your surgeon uses a portion of your small intestine to create an internal reservoir or pouch, that stores waste inside your body. The surgeon will also use part of the intestine to construct a nipple valve that connects to a small stoma in your abdomen. Waste is released from the pouch through this valve.
The BCIR offers several advantages for patients with a failed J-pouch. Because the nipple valve created for the BCIR is self-sealing, the stoma won’t leak gas or waste. In addition, the BCIR gives you more control over the elimination of waste, and you won’t have to empty the reservoir as many times each day as you did with the J-pouch. When you’re ready to empty the reservoir, you will simply insert a thin catheter and allow the waste to flow out.
The procedure used to convert your J-pouch to a BCIR will be similar to the first ostomy surgery you had. You will spend some time in the hospital, and you will need to make dietary changes.
If you are dealing with a failed J-pouch, Dr. Don Schiller can help. He has extensive experience with these conversion surgeries, and he offers a shorter hospital stayer than most other surgeons. Please contact Dr. Don Schiller today to learn more about this procedure.