The Ileoanal J-pouch is one of three primary options for patients who require an ostomy. Although the J-pouch offers a few notable advantages for patients, it fails up to 15 percent of the time. Fortunately, even after a patient has experienced a failed J-pouch, effective treatment is still available.
If your J-pouch fails, one of the easiest ways to fix the problem involves converting the J-pouch to a Barnett Continent Intestinal Reservoir (BCIR). Although the BCIR won’t operate exactly as the J-pouch, it effectively resolves the problems associated with the failed J-pouch and provides the patient with substantial freedom.
The BCIR, which may also be called the "Barnett type of Koch Pouch," is a continent ileostomy. To create the BCIR, the surgeon uses the patient’s own intestine to form an internal pouch and a valve. The valve is connected to an opening in the patient’s skin known as a "stoma." This valve remains closed until the patient is ready to drain the pouch. To empty the pouch, the patient inserts a catheter into the valve, and waste passes through. The BCIR offers a number of benefits, including:
The J-pouch to BCIR conversion procedure will be much like your first ostomy surgery. You can expect temporary changes in your diet, as well as some time in the hospital.
Dr. Don Schiller is a renowned expert when it comes to the BCIR procedure, including procedures designed to convert failed J-pouches into the BCIR. Thanks to his advanced surgical technique, patients who come to Dr. Schiller for the BCIR procedure will enjoy shorter hospital stays. On average, patients can expect to remain in the hospital for two weeks after the procedure. During this time, you will see Dr. Schiller every day as you adjust to your new lifestyle.
If you are dealing with a failed J-pouch and would like to explore the idea of a BCIR conversion, please contact The Center for Ileostomy Surgery at Olympia Medical Center today to learn more about this procedure.