Not only can a failed j-pouch cause myriad health problems for patients, but the continence option can increase infertility among female patients.
According to a meta-analysis conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan, woman with J-pouches are three times more likely to have difficulty conceiving a child.
Infertility, defined as not achieving pregnancy in 12 months of attempting conception, increased from 15 percent to 48 percent in women who have J-pouches for cure of ulcerative colitis.
Researchers were unable to identify procedural factors or patient characteristics that could increase infertility in women with a J-pouch. Scarring of a woman’s fallopian tubes appeared to be the most likely reason for decreased fertility.
The studies analyzed were conducted from 1990-2005. Therefore, improved medical and laparoscopic techniques since these studies occurred could somewhat decrease the impact of a J-pouch on fertility.
Even so, the risk to a young woman’s fertility is inherent. Therefore, women who need a surgical procedure to manage the effects of ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease or colon cancer are choosing BCIR surgery instead of a J-pouch.
Many young women and men opt for the Barnett Continent Intestinal Reservoir since there’s little chance of infertility and this option provides much more freedom than a J-pouch or conventional ileostomy.
The BCIR is a modification of the Kock pouch. Dr. Schiller creates a reservoir and nipple valve from a patient’s small intestine. A stoma on the patient’s abdomen allows access to the reservoir. Several times a day, the patient inserts a catheter into the reservoir and removes waste directly into the toilet.
Apart from a decreased chance of infertility, BCIR benefits include:
To learn more about the Barnett Continent Intestinal Reservoir, contact Dr. Schiller’s office. He will discuss all your surgical options for providing intestinal continence.