Have people had better results with a 2 step surgery, or a 3 step? Getting ready for my 2nd of 3 in a couple days. But was wondering if it's better to go right from the first to the pouch, or have the loop before getting the pouch? Just curious. Hope everyone is having a good day!
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I had my bag less than a month. I had an emergency takedown.
I would like to know if it would have panned out better if I went thru the steps my self. I feel like I still waiting for it to work right. It has been 16 months!
It seems to be coming round but ever so slowly.
I still have minor problems. I am hoping that as more time goes by it will get even better. I had a terrible first year.
Richard.
I would like to know if it would have panned out better if I went thru the steps my self. I feel like I still waiting for it to work right. It has been 16 months!
It seems to be coming round but ever so slowly.
I still have minor problems. I am hoping that as more time goes by it will get even better. I had a terrible first year.
Richard.
I think it all depends on your situation, what condition you are in at the time of colectomy, etc.. There's no one right answer.
Jan 
I think this is one of those subjects that will always be hotly debated -- i.e. whether a 1 step vs. 2 step vs. 3 step is better. And I don't really believe there is a right or wrong answer; rather, it depends on your own individual circumstances.
Currently, I believe that the 2 step is still the most common for j-pouch creation. Many feel, as does my own surgeon, that a 2 step is more ideal than a 1 step, since diverting with a temporary loop ostomy and allowing the pouch time to heal amounts to greater success down the road. The bonus with the 1 step, however, is that you avoid the loop altogether, and potentially reduce healing time and scarring because it's just one surgery rather than 2 or 3. I myself ended up having 3 step surgery, but that was because I needed emergency surgery to remove my colon and at the time I didn't have the luxury of waiting to see a colorectal surgeon skilled in j-pouch construction. It was basically "get the colon out now so you don't die, and then we'll re-evaluate options later." Which is what I did, though I ended up living with an ileostomy for over 2 1/2 years.
As Jan said, though, it depends on your situation. Like me, sometimes the colon just has to come out ASAP and that usually necessitates a 2 or 3 step. There are other factors as well, including whether or not you were taking steroids, your overall health at the time of surgery, your surgeon's recommendations and/or general preferences, your own wishes, etc. It's always best to discuss these things with your surgeon and determine together what is right for you in your particular situation.
I totally agree with you all, was just curious. I'm having the 3 step go for my pre op in a couple hours and surgery tomorrow. I just wanted to kinda see what everyone though, but you guys are right. Everyone's situation is different.