Certain diseases, such as ulcerative colitis or familial adenomatous polyposis, make it impossible for your colon to function normally. If you are dealing with either of these conditions, having your rectum and colon removed may be the only way to prevent complications and alleviate the symptoms you are experiencing. However, once these parts of your intestine have been removed, you will need an ostomy, which is an opening in the body that allows for the removal of waste. In most cases, you will be able to choose from several ostomy options. These options include:
One of the most common choices among ostomy patients is the ileoanal J-pouch. The J-pouch is a reservoir that connects the small intestine to the anal canal.
Also known as a conventional ileostomy, the Brooke ileostomy connects the small intestine directly to a stoma, which is an opening in your abdominal wall. Waste flows through your small intestine and out of this opening continuously.
The Barnett Continent Intestinal Reservoir, or “BCIR,” connects part of the small intestine to an internal reservoir made from another part of the small intestine. This reservoir is then connected to a stoma with a nipple valve in the lower part of your abdomen.
If you need to schedule an ostomy procedure or if you have a failed ostomy and would like to discuss your options, contact Dr. Don Schiller at the Center for Ileostomy Surgery today to schedule an appointment.