This morning I had a pouch scope (or an attempted scope) and was dx'd with a stricture. My GI doc said the narrowing was so small at the top of my pouch that he couldn't get the scope up to look around further so the extent of the stricture is yet unknown. I will need a barium enema to make this determination. My doc said he may be able to perform a dilation procedure or several dilations to treat this, or, I may need corrective surgery. He assured me that he thought the stricture was fixable so I was glad to hear that. But also, I don't know if it was standard protocol, or, if he was already thinking surgery would be the likely treatment, but he had made a call to the surgeon before he discussed his findings with me about the scope. (He said he just wanted both of them to be on board) I asked him whether he saw any signs of a prolapse of any kind and he said he saw no indication of that at all. So, to all of you with similar experiences, any thoughts would be appreciated as I know many of you have had one or more strictures and treatment for them. Were they successful? Have you had to have multiple surgeries or procedures for this kind of narrowing? Do you have any thoughts or tips on what might lie ahead with a stricture Dx? This is the first time for me as a 3 year poucher where another surgery may be necessary. I don't even know if it can be done laparoscopically? endoscopically? or, for that matter, what is involved with the other kinds of dilation procedures? Wondering about Mayo or Cleveland Clinic? Mayo, Rochester is very close. I will read the stricture threads. Thank you for all of your support and personal, as well as, professional knowledge. I am so grateful!
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Hi savanna my name is Grace. I had the surgery 4 years ago due to UC. I had many complications at the time. I also have a stricture and have to be dilated every 4 to 5 months, and it does help for a time. They tell me that surgery is not an option for me because of all the complications I had. I had 4 surgeries within 6 months.
I do have a lot of scar tissue it is a very detailed operation. You mentioned that they may do surgery what type? I am debating on whether to go back to the ileostomy pouch I don't want to but my diet is not good because of digestion so I am limited to different food. I was also thinking of getting another surgeons opinion. How did your first surgery go? I live on Long Island NY. My gastro and surgeon in NYC Let me know how you make out.
I do have a lot of scar tissue it is a very detailed operation. You mentioned that they may do surgery what type? I am debating on whether to go back to the ileostomy pouch I don't want to but my diet is not good because of digestion so I am limited to different food. I was also thinking of getting another surgeons opinion. How did your first surgery go? I live on Long Island NY. My gastro and surgeon in NYC Let me know how you make out.
Hi Grace, I would guess most of us have a complex history of multiple surgeries with scarring. And honestly, I do not know what was meant exactly in terms of procedural dilation of the stricture vs. surgical. If I had to guess, I would think dilation by instrument of some sort (or balloon) is the procedural intervention and surgical might involve some kind of excising of scar tissue that can't be dilated and reinforcement/re-attachment??(w/risk of more scarring.....maybe not?) IDK........ perhaps someone reading this thread with more knowledge will enlighten us.
Hi Savanna Dilation is when a rod is inserted to stretch the blockage which is from the scar tissue. Sometimes they do this in the office. I always have anesthesia when I need dilation. They can also surgically remove it but they
say it comes back so check with your gastro I hope this helps Grace
say it comes back so check with your gastro I hope this helps Grace
I just got back from seeing Dr Shen and Remzi due to multiple strictures..I cant possibly praise them enough other than to say they are super doctors and incredibly good people.
They gave me all the options with regards to the strictures and recommended a medical approach to start and if that fails then we'll move on to a surgical repair.
Every patient's circumstances are different, but if you can make it to Cleveland I would highly recommend it. They are the best.
They gave me all the options with regards to the strictures and recommended a medical approach to start and if that fails then we'll move on to a surgical repair.
Every patient's circumstances are different, but if you can make it to Cleveland I would highly recommend it. They are the best.
Grace, may I ask who you see in NYC? I used to live there and went to a great GI and surgeon at Cornell in Manhattan
Savannah, interesting to hear the additional information that this was felt to be at the top of the pouch, NOT an anal stricture. Pouch inlet stricture is only second to the anal stricture, so this is mor common than you think. Absolutely, it is treatable by balloon dilation, but it may take more than one treatment. Fingers crossed that your GI series is useful.
Jan
Jan
Hi Savanna I go to Mt Sinai. Could you tell me the name of the doctor you are talking about from Cornel. I have heard good things about Cornel. I hope you get good news about the stricture you have.
I will be looking for your posts.
I will be looking for your posts.
Grace,
You must be mistaken. I am from Minneapolis and I am going down for a consult at Mayo in Rochester.
You must be mistaken. I am from Minneapolis and I am going down for a consult at Mayo in Rochester.