✦ ULCERATIVE COLITIS · CURATIVE SURGERY

Ileoanal Reservoir Surgery

Q: How many bowel movements will I have after J-pouch surgery?

Initially 8–12 daily. Over 6–12 months, most patients stabilise at 4–8 movements daily with good continence and minimal urgency.

Q: Is a permanent stoma always avoided?

In 95% of patients, IPAA avoids a permanent stoma. A permanent stoma is required for those with poor sphincter function.

Q: Can I have IPAA if I have Crohn's disease?

IPAA is contraindicated in Crohn's disease as the pouch frequently fails. Accurate pre-operative diagnosis distinguishing UC from Crohn's is essential.

Total proctocolectomy with J-pouch — the curative procedure for ulcerative colitis that preserves continence.

240–360 Min TREATMENT DURATION

7–10 Days CARE SETTING

Open / Laparoscopic APPROACH

6–8 Weeks RECOVERY TIMELINE

What is Ileoanal Reservoir Surgery?

Ileoanal Reservoir Surgery (IPAA) is the definitive curative operation for ulcerative colitis. The entire colon and rectum are removed, and a J-shaped pouch fashioned from the terminal ileum is connected to the anus, eliminating all UC-affected tissue while preserving continence and avoiding a permanent stoma. Dr. Tagore Mohan Grandhi performs IPAA. A protective loop ileostomy is created and reversed at 8–12 weeks once the pouch-anal anastomosis has healed. Most patients achieve 4–8 bowel movements daily with excellent continence after pouch adaptation.

Suitable for patients with ulcerative colitis refractory to maximum medical therapy, UC-related colorectal cancer, toxic megacolon, or those preferring surgical cure over lifelong immunosuppression.

How the Procedure Works

Total Proctocolectomy

Entire colon and rectum removed laparoscopically. Terminal ileum preserved for pouch construction.

J-Pouch Construction

J-shaped reservoir fashioned from 30–40 cm of terminal ileum using a linear stapler.

Pouch-Anal Anastomosis

J-pouch connected to the anal canal by a stapled or hand-sewn anastomosis under direct vision.

Protective Ileostomy

Loop ileostomy created to divert intestinal contents and protect the pouch-anal anastomosis during healing.

Pouch Activation

Ileostomy reversed at 8–12 weeks. Bowel movements initially frequent, stabilising at 4–8 movements daily as pouch adapts.

Outcomes

240–360 MinTREATMENT DURATION

7–10 DaysCARE SETTING

Open / LaparoscopicAPPROACH

6–8 WeeksRECOVERY TIMELINE

Who Needs This Treatment?

→Curative — permanently removes all UC-affected bowel tissue
→Preserves continence — no permanent stoma in 95% of patients
→Eliminates the lifelong colorectal cancer risk associated with UC
→Excellent long-term quality of life — most patients live fully normally

Ileoanal reservoir surgery gives ulcerative colitis patients a permanent cure and their life back — without a permanent bag. Most are free from disease, medication, and cancer fear. That transformation is remarkable.

— Dr. Tagore Mohan Grandhi, Senior Consultant Gastrointestinal Surgeon, Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How many bowel movements will I have after J-pouch surgery?+

Is a permanent stoma always avoided?+

Can I have IPAA if I have Crohn's disease?+

Not sure which treatment is right for you?

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