The K-pouch is an amazing alternative as it means you don't have to have an external bag.

This procedure is performed overseas for over 20 years especially in the states but has not yet been available for us Aussies until now. Professor J Mackay, elite colorectal surgeon in Melbourne’s St Vincent’s hospital Australia, is working with Professor Fazio, Chairman of Cleveland Hospital USA, to bring this surgery to Australia.

This means that those of that have an ileostomy or will have the operation, may be able to have another choice in Australia (if applicable).

Professor Mackay is currently looking into bringing this renowned procedure to Australia.

Our experience is that we are not informed about any other choice if we have an ileostomy or facing one, unless we let these elite Dr’s know that we would like the K-pouch then it will take many more years for this surgery to be available in Australia.

Get excited and check it out for yourself
2 Aussies Girls (ileostomy for 17yrs & 2 yrs )

This message has been edited. Last edited by: CMM,

HI! your post in general discussion got deleted. I was just so sorry to see your excitement loose the wind in your sails. I didn't see anything in your post against the bag, as you too live with it daily.

In addition to reaching to support groups (start one if there aren't any!) you may want to reach out to GI doctors - if they are armed with the kpouch technique - they may be a huge assest in your quest. I know my GI brought the kpouch to me, I would remain with my brooke if it wasn't for him.

You also may want to set up a blog or something that will help get your message out there.

Don't forget the www.uoaa.org -there are posts from those with j and ileo hoping to be candidates for a kpouch. They too may not have the means to reach a surgeon but it doesn't hurt to get the message out that there is great interest.

Going from a brooke to a kock was an easy transition for me - I was used to my stoma, gas and special diet.

I wish you the best and hope you can find a surgeon or come to CA and see Dr. Launer.

Hey thank you for your lovely msg, yes never meant to offend as we really know the reality of living with this too (and for a very long time through our teens & twenties).

I don't think there was any offense. The other thread was deleted because it was a duplicate thread, that's all. I think it is pretty darn exciting to get a kock pouch surgeon in Australia, especially since one of the leaders in that surgery in the US (Dr. Fazio) is from there (I guess we sort of stole him!).

The more options you have to choose from, the better off you are. I do have to admit that my surgeon did not offer it to me, although it would not have been my first choice anyway, since I would have wanted to try out the j-pouch first. But, I am glad to know that it is there if my pouch happens to fail in the future. I worry about allergies to the wafer adhesives because my skin is so sensitive. When I had surgery this summer I only had to leave the bandages on the lapro incisions until the second post op day. In that amount of time the skin under the bandaid blistered and sheared off! I still have scars from the burns...

Jan

I agree with Jan - I never took your post as offensive. Please report on the progress down under. I hope a k-pouch is in your future.

quote:

Many put it down and badmouth it so everyone here in the USA are not in the know about it and that is a travesty and are frightened to try it because of misperceptions.

Just a note - I don't agree that many doctors here badmouth the k-pouch. I've found no evidence of that.

kathy

Hi...I googled and found this thread...has some info about a surgeon who trained at the cleveland clinic and other info..not sure how accurate but may be of help and/or maybe will give you more folks interested in Australia.

http://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=33&m=310413

Best in your quest, Janice

This is fantastic news, and I'm gonna phone Melbourne and see whats the go. I've just about given up on the J, due to back passage pain and constant throbbing. I see my surgeon at the Gold Coast Hospital 25th Jan and aim to ask him about the K, as the other one I spoke to wasn't at all helpful, so thanks again.