My takedown surgery in Nov was cancelled because my pouch would not dilate I've had an mri scan and it shows nothing up so my surgeon has decided to go ahead with it again. He has explained this could be a bit risky as it could mean the pouch is just not working, but is hopefully just because the pouch has not been used yet..anyone else experienced or heard of this happening? I'm worried my pouch will fail.
*Proctocolectomy w/ J-Pouch and temp ileo April '11 *Takedown 23rd Feb '12. Pouch didn't work resulting in intestine tearing at join = emergency op 1st Mar '12 to give me temp end ileo.
Posts: 67 | Location: Berkshire, UK | Registered: October 18, 2011
I had a similar issue and mypouch was dilated at takedown time. I have however, continued to have issues with my stricture (3 in office dilations) and I am not scheduled for another one under anesthesia and I am having multiple issues with my pouch.
Knowing what I know now, I think I would have tried to possibly have additional dilations prior to takedown if it was possible. Do you still have the stricture? I am not clear on your MRI results. it sounds as if the MRI showed nothing major going on.
Your surgeon may feel that the sooner you start passing stool through your bottom the better and it may help open up the stricture on its own.
Good luck. Let us know how you make out.
Posts: 956 | Location: ct | Registered: May 23, 2003
Hi kjeane thanks for your response...the mri didn't show any stricture; inflammation, etc which is what my surgeon was expecting when he sent me for my mri. Which is why he is hoping the reason the pouch will not dilate is because of it not being in use yet.
*Proctocolectomy w/ J-Pouch and temp ileo April '11 *Takedown 23rd Feb '12. Pouch didn't work resulting in intestine tearing at join = emergency op 1st Mar '12 to give me temp end ileo.
Posts: 67 | Location: Berkshire, UK | Registered: October 18, 2011
Makes sense. I have read more than once that they like to get stool passing through the anastomosis asap if you do have a stricture as it will help open up the stricture on it's own. I would think you are good to go based upon those results and I am sure he will dilate you at takedown time if needed as mine did. I hope you make out all right and do not face some of the issues I have been with the stricture.
Looking back I had what was thought to be partial blockage prior to my takedown, My MRI showed fluid in the rectal cuff which they remarked may have been healing or inflammation but I think I may have had a small leak at the anastomosis prior to takedown which can very often result in stricture I have read. Since my surgeon was out of town and consulted with the covering resident, I am not sure the information may have been clearly communicated and often wonder if I did have a small leak prior to takedown and that may be why I am having continual issues with my stricture now.
Best of luck.
Posts: 956 | Location: ct | Registered: May 23, 2003
