While a J-Pouch can be a good option for many people who have most of their colon removed due to chronic ulcerative colitis, colon cancer and familial polyposis, the procedure can often fail leaving the patient seeking an alternative means of continence. Fortunately, Dr. Schiller offers a solution called a Barnett Continent Intestinal Reservoir for patients with failed j-pouches.
The ileoanal j-pouch is made from a portion of the small intestine and connected to the anus. Waste is collected in the reservoir, and the patient must empty the pouch several times a day, often at inconvenient times. Oftentimes, the procedure fails because the patient experiences:
• Multiple stools per day,
• Stool leakage from the anus,
• Need to empty pouch during the night,
• Chronic skin irritation and pain.
These issues cause patients to not only be uncomfortable physically, but also cause constant fear of accidental passage of stool and gas. The solution may be a Barnett Continent Intestinal Reservoir.
The BCIR gives patients much more control over their bowel movements. During the surgery, Dr. Schiller creates a pouch and a nipple valve from the patient’s small intestine. The valve is connected to a stoma or ostomy on the lower abdominal wall. The patient will insert a catheter into the stoma three to five times per day to empty the contents of the pouch into a toilet.
Since the nipple valve is self-sealing, no gas or stool will leak out of the stoma. Some mucous may leak from time-to–time so a small covering is usually worn over the stoma.
• Ability to sleep flat on the stomach
• No need to wear an external bag
• Complete control over waste elimination
• Less physical discomfort, especially to the skin
• More varied diet
• Greater ability to participate in physical activities
Indeed, the Barnett Continent Intestinal Reservoir grants patients much more freedom and convenience than the IPAA. Consult Dr. Schiller’s office today to determine if this surgical option is the right continence solution for you.