I'm not in that category, but I can tell you that there is no procedure in the pipeline to rebuild/create a rectum or colon once the sphincters have been removed and the anus closed. There is research ongoing with tissue engineering, but not much progress in the way of the colon.

The reason? Because the colon is not essential for life or health, undergoing risky surgery is not reasonable. Even if they could grow a similar organ, the complexities of innervation, absorbtion, and lack of sphincters make it a very unlikely persuit.

If this were to become possible, I would not expect it our lifetime.

There is the current option of the continent ileostomy, where no external appliance is needed.

Jan

Pkitty,
If you want to post in the Kpouch section here you can ask questions about the surgery, life and the lifestyle of people with k pouches (continent ileostomies)or BCIRS....it is the only alternative that I know about thus far
as Jan stated.
Sharon

Since my pouch was removed very early (10 days old) and on an emergent need my surgeon left all the muscles (rectum)for me in case I ever want to try a pouch again. 7.5 years later I am still walking around with my permanent ostomy. Unless a direct need arises I don't see myself opting for another pouch in the near future but the parts are there if I want to.

Thanks guys! So Tricia, your surgeon says you could go back to the Jpouch at anytime if you wanted? Why did you have to go to the bag permanently? Also, the surgeon isn't concerned that the muscles might become weak due to lack of use or innervation problems due to lack of use for so many years?

Jan - good points. I just wonder if I do surgery and worse come worse the jpouch fails (not sure what % the pouch fails and they have to switch to permanent bag - do you know?) - I wonder if I'd ever have an option other than the bag or continent ileostomy as I am really young (29 years old).

Failure rate is 10-20%, depending on the reporting center. Plus, it can take decades for failure to occur.

Depending on what new technologies develop over the years, options can change. But, you should assume it is not reversible, even if the future may have options, because it is an unkown. Lots of things that seemed promising never actually pan out.

Jan

I am about to have stem cell therapy done to regrow stuff in my bladder due to IC in California. Stem Cells are a rich man's game though. The center I am going to does have Chron's and UC on their list but no idea what they are doing in that area. FDA will most likely never approve all stem cell research and that leaves you paying 50k+ per treatment. I am part of the IC trial though with the IC association with this doctor and center so my price is locked in at 4,500.00 Since IC is auto immune they also treat that and the bladder together so I am excited about it. I was scheduled to go a year ago but my FAP diagnoses set me back. You can't have cancer and other things can prevent you from getting stem cells.

Go for the kpouch or bcir if jpouch fails.