Ulcerative colitis is a common inflammatory bowel disease. More than one million people in the U.S. are estimated to have inflammatory bowel disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, up to 246 cases per every 100,000 people are estimated to have ulcerative colitis. Slightly more men than women are impacted by ulcerative colitis.
Ulcerative Colitis Treatment
Colitis Treatment depends upon the severity of the disease. Many mild cases can be treated with dietary changes and medications. Medications used to treat mild cases of colitis include steroid medications and antidiarrheal medications. Aminosalicylates may also be prescribed to relieve inflamed intestines.
Some people, though, have severe and long lasting systems that require surgery. Up to one third of patients with a severe form of the disease may require a surgical solution. In these cases, the removal of the rectum and colon may be necessary in order to alleviate ulcerative colitis symptoms and prevent further complications. Upon removal of the colon and rectum, a new method of eliminating the body’s waste is needed.
Because traditional surgeries that require an external bag can affect not only an individual’s freedom of movement, but also his or her self-esteem, many patients are embracing new surgical colitis treatment options without an external bag. These options include patients who need to have their entire colon removed, and want to avoid using an external bag following surgery.
Barnett Continent Intestinal Reservoir (BCIR or “Barnett Pouch”)
The Barnett Pouch is an updated option of the traditional Koch pouch. This method involves building and suturing an internal pouch. This substantially reduces the risk and incident rate of an infection and fistula.
With the BCIR procedure, rather than directing the intestinal mucous toward the opening, the mucous is pushed toward the pouch. Even more beneficial, the BCIR valve seal is super strong, which is very effective as the pouch fills with waste and gas. What this means is that the patient is less likely to deal with leakage and infection, and more likely to live a normal lifestyle once again.
The Barnett Pouch provides patients with more freedom and control of the discharge of their waste, and they don’t have to worry about hiding an external bag that is used with other ulcerative colitis treatment options. Patients also don’t have the worry or anxiety of the external bag filling up while they are in public places or at work in a meeting, for example.
If you’ve just learned that you need surgery for ulcerative colitis or are using ostomy solution or external device, be sure to contact Dr. Don Schiller, The Ileostomy Specialist, today to learn about the Barnett Continent Intestinal Reservoir (BCIR or “Barnett Pouch”)