I live in Hawaii and we don't have a surgeon who does the J-pouch very often. My surgeon here recommended Dr. Tonia Young-Fadok and Dr. Ronald Gagliano. Do you recommend either of these surgeons?
Replies sorted oldest to newest
I think that the experience of the surgeon can make a big difference in the outcome of the j-pouch surgery. I think I may have had fewer problems if I had been able to go to Cleveland Clinic or another hospital that specializes in this type of surgery. However, despite these problems, I am glad I have a j-pouch instead of an ileo. According to your bio, you have had your ileo for quite some time. Why was the take-down delayed?
I agree. if you are able, go to Cleveland Clinic. Don't use and enexperienced surgeon. This surgery is so difficult, that if you have to go somewhere, might as well go to the best. I have a very experienced surgeon and we have an unusual complication and we might end up in Cleveland as well.
I had my first ileostomy in 2000 then 6 months later had the Barnett procedure. After 3 revisions I had to convert back to an ileostomy. I was pregnant at my last surgery. After 5 surgeries and 2 kids, I have not been eager to undergo a major operation again. I am considering it now because my kids are older, my bag leaks all the time, my skin is in pain and I am tired of having a bag. I am still not sure it is worth it to convert. If someone could just give me a crystal ball and tell me the surgery would work out great then I would sign up tomorrow but I am concerned about all the complications and having to live my life looking for bathrooms again
In order to have a j pouch, it is necessary to have a functional anal sphincter, which is usually removed when a BCIR is performed. Without a sphincter, your options are limited to a kock pouch or another BCIR. You definitely should get a top rated surgeon for either of these procedures, but keep in mind that there are no guarantees regarding possible complications. After I was advised by my GI and a well-rated surgeon at Mayo to have my j pouch removed (for presence of high grade dysplasia), I was turned down for a continent ileostomy by three surgeons, but fortunately was accepted by Dr. Ernest Rehnke in Florida for a BCIR. The surgery went very well and I have a very good quality of life. I have always been personally against having an ileostomy for the various issues involved. Incidentally, what complications prevented your BCIR from being successful?