Ileostomy surgery, including J-pouch or advanced BCIR (Barnett Continent Intestinal Reservoir) procedures, provides your body with a new way of storing and passing stool, without using an external appliance, which can greatly improve your quality of life. It’s natural (and wise) of course, to get all the details about the procedure before you, or a loved one, undergo this surgery. One of the most common questions we receive about the J-pouch is, "where is it located?" Let’s take a closer look at the ileostomy procedure and the J-pouch location.
The success of the J-pouch procedure is closely related to your surgeon’s skill and experience in the range of ileostomy types. Correct placement of the J-pouch is a key component of a successful surgery and complication-free recovery. A J-shaped pouch is typically an option when the colon and rectum are removed due to disease. The J-pouch is an ileoanal reservoir, constructed from your body’s own tissues, and used to treat chronic ulcerative colitis, familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or, in some cases, colon cancer and/or rectal cancer.
Specifically, the internal pouch (called an ileal pouch-anal anastomosis or IPAA), is created from the terminus of the small bowel (the ileum), which the surgeon then attaches to the patient’s anal canal. This newly-created reservoir (or holding area) allows the patient to have bowel movements (pass stool) in a somewhat familiar manner, sitting on the toilet.
Dr. Don Schiller is an expert ileostomy specialist, who can help you choose the best ostomy procedure for your needs. If you have a J-pouch that has not produced the ideal results, due to inadequate sphincter muscle control or related issues, Dr. Schiller offers advanced alternatives, such as BCIR, that can transform you life. Contact the Los Angeles offices of Dr. Schiller to learn more about J-pouch options. Call The Center for Ileostomy Surgery at Olympia Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, at 323-472-9931 today.