Hi!  I responded to you on the PM, but wanted to reply to your post.   As I indicated, I have more mucous leakage from the  loop than I do now, 2.5 months out.  I do leak from time to time, but nothing that keeps me from doing anything and can't be handle with some liners.  If I have a problem with more, it's likely because I ate/drank something I knew would cause me issues.

 

There is no place I wouldn't go right now or do because of any leakage concern, honestly!

 

 

Do either of you know why surgeons at Cleveland clinic use the handsewn method vs staple? I just went there for possible pouch advancement consultation and was wondering this as well. Any thoughts why?

They did tell me possible leakage but would only last a month or two if that.

A handsewn anatamosis must be used if the rectal cuff is removed, as in pouch advancement. I'd guess that some pouch re-do procedures include a bit of cuffitis, a good reson to get rid of the rectal cuff. I'd be surprised if they did hand-sewn procedures when a rectal cuff is available.

Yes, Scott is correct. The double stapled anastomosis requires a certain amount of rectum available for the stapler to "grab onto." Even without a pouch advancement on a redo, there may not be enough. 

 

Jan

Oh this makes complete sense. My options are pouch advancement, and if that doesn't work then pouch redo. So staple won't be an option for me. Thanks everyone!

Aka knklhead- has your BMs increased with the redo as compared to your first pouch? I was told that this is likely to happen.

.. exactly the opposite .. I have 4-6 non-urgent BMs a day, things are working very well, much better than my previous stapled pouch.  IMHO, the issue isn't necessarily whether they staple or hand sewed, the issue is whether or not it's a good and sealed connection.  

That is wonderful to hear! So glad things are working good for you. May I ask, what was reason for your redo: chronic pouchitis or mechanical issue?