Things To Know About Ileo-Anal Reservoir Procedure

Doctors had a discussion about the Ileo-Anal Reservoir procedure in the 1970s for the first time. it was discussed as an option for patients undergoing the large bowel removal procedure due to ulcerative colitis or familial adenomatous polyposis. This procedure was developed in Japan and England as an alternative to the permanent ileostomy. Since then, it has proved to be a gold standard procedure for the patients who require the removal of the large intestine due to a severe intestinal disorder. This reservoir is also known as the J-pouch.

Who is the candidate for this procedure?

Candidates for this procedure are the ones who get ileostomies, but not every person with an ileostomy is a candidate for an ileo-anal reservoir procedure. If you have a temporary ileostomy, you may not require an ileo-anal reservoir. After the procedure, it will take some time for you to adapt to the internal reservoir. Generally, it takes six to twelve months for an individual to fully adapt to this reservoir.

Patients who lose the functionality of their anal sphincters permanently are not the candidates for this procedure. Patients with indeterminate colitis may also not qualify for an ileo-anal reservoir procedure. Older patients may have this operation, but they are not the ideal candidates. In general, there are a lot of limitations to consider, if you are thinking of undergoing this procedure.

What to expect from an ileo-anal reservoir (IAR) operation

This entire procedure may extend to two or three operations to remove the large intestine and the rectum, and creation of a reservoir. The success of this procedure depends on the following factors.

  • Your overall health at the time of the operation

  • Medications that you take. Some medications might increase the risk of failure.

  • The judgment that your surgeon makes to determine which procedure will work for you

  • Any underlying health disorder

Will you need a stoma during the procedure?

If your IAR procedure extends to more than one operation, you may need a temporary stoma until your internal reservoir becomes fit to function. This stoma will prevent the stool from going into the reservoir while it is healing.

How long will you need a stoma?

If your IAR procedure is taking more than one operation to complete, you are going to have to wait for at least three months between two procedures. It means that if you need to have three operations for your IAR procedure to complete, you are going to have to have a stoma for six months.

An ileo-anal reservoir allows you to control your stool to some extent. Initially, you may have to go to the toilet 6-8 times every day, but this frequency will reduce and settle down to 2-3 times. You can talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about it.