"G I Didn't Know That": J-Pouch Surgery (Part 1)

Part 6 in an educational video series exploring ostomy procedures, appliance use and ostomy management

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5

By Joy Hooper RN, BSN, CWOCN

The "J-Pouch" is an example of an internal intestinal pouch constructed of small intestine. The surgery is performed as an alternative to a permanent ileostomy when the large intestine (colon) needs to be removed. The J-Pouch procedure can be performed in a I, II, or III stage surgical procedure. Although there are many complications associated with this procedure such as anal leakage after surgery, bowel obstruction, and pouchitis, there are many people that feel the J-Pouch procedure literally gave them their life back. Below is a comment from a J-Pouch patient:

"My JP may not be perfect, but I would do it in a minute again. It gave me my life back, gave my husband his wife back and gave my 3 children their mother back. Do read up on it; find the best surgeon and hospital to do it. It is not a decision to be made lightly of course, obviously, but everyone should at least look at this possibility."

- Beth, J-Pouch surgery 3 years ago

Sources
Colwell J, Goldberg M, Carmel J. Fecal & Urinary Diversion Management Principals. St Louis, MO: Mosby; 2004:227.
Shore GI. Continent Internal Pouches. The Phoenix: Continent Diversion New Patient Guide. 8-10,19.

About the Author
Joy Hooper RN, BSN, CWOCN is a nurse entrepreneur with twenty years of experience working in a variety of hospital and in-home care settings. Ms. Hooper is an avid advocate advocating for ostomy awareness and bowel sensibility having founded the Southern Georgia Ostomy Association. She routinely makes house calls to wound and ostomy patients within her region and provides lectures in colleges and health care facilities.