Learn the Difference between J-Pouch and Ileostomy Surgical Procedures and be an Informed Patient

Ileostomy and J-Pouch surgical procedures are performed for patients with inflammatory bowel disease. They are performed when surgeons diagnose a condition where their colon or portion of their colon needs to be removed. Both procedures are different and surgeons choose the appropriate procedure after diagnosing the specific condition suffered by the patient. 

Knowing the Difference

When specialists and surgeons diagnose the condition suffered by the patients and conclude that the patient requires removal of the colon, the patient should research and understand the two types of surgical procedures- Ileostomy and J-Pouch. They will then become informed patients and understand why surgeons choose to perform a specific procedure for them. They can also give proper explanations to friends and family or other healthcare professionals about the surgical procedure performed for them. 

Ileostomy

Any ostomy surgery involves the creation of a stoma or opening in the pouch through which waste is collected in a pouch worn outside the body. The surgeon removes the whole of the colon during an ileostomy surgical procedure. The surgeon will remove part of the colon during a colostomy surgical procedure. An opening or stoma is created in the wall of the abdomen and part of the intestine is pulled to reach the opening and waste is expelled to an external bag that is placed over the stoma. Patients can empty the bag into the toilet when it gets full. The stools expelled into the bag after a colostomy surgical procedure are not as solid as that which is expelled when the colon is intact. Watery stools are expelled into the bag after an ileostomy surgical procedure has been performed. 

Benefits

Patients will need to adapt to wearing a waste elimination bag after an Ileostomy surgical procedure. Once they adapt to their new waste elimination procedure, they can lead full lives. They can exercise, carry on with their normal work routine and, eat all types of food including fast food. 

J-Pouch 

A J-pouch surgical procedure is similar to the ileostomy surgical procedure because the entire colon is removed. The difference is that during a J-Pouch surgical procedure the last portion of the small intestine is formed into a small ‘J’- shaped pouch. The pouch is left inside the body to collect waste. Waste is eliminated through the anus after this procedure and not through a stoma. 

Benefits 

Patients will never suffer from ulcerative colitis after a J-pouch surgical procedure. They can start leading a normal life soon after the procedure is completed and after they have recovered from surgery. Bowel movements may be more than when the colon was intact but patients will not have adverse symptoms like bleeding or cramping. After patients recover from the surgical procedure, they can enjoy a normal diet and enjoy all types of food without restrictions. 

Patients who undergo colon surgery after researching and understanding the procedure will find the information that helps them, their friends and, family to face the procedure with courage and enables them to look forward to enjoying a full life after the surgical procedure is completed.