How often to get pouch scoped

Also, my doc says that if in the 2 years since my surgery I've been fine (okay the expected chronic loose bowels) then this surgery should last me my last 40 years on this earth. Is the outlook really that good if there's been no issues so far?

Harlan,
I've had my k pouch (same pouch, differnt exit) for almost 34yrs now and as far as I know and as far as the pouch part is concerned, things are ok...it is your intestine so as long as it doesn't fall apart or get sick (chronic pouchitis etc) then yes, it should last you a lifetime...
As for the scoping, I think that my first one was somewhere around the 20yr mark...I had pouchitis on occasion, was nasty to it often and other than needing antibiotics or going on a restricitive diet...all was well...
So unless you are having problems...do not panic...
Sharon

So far I have been told to come each year for a scope by my surgeon. (I have no issues either.) Maybe he will change that down the road. I think it sould be done on a regular basis. Maybe not annually but at least every few years.

In a nutshell: you're going to find widely varying opinions on this, so it's best to discuss it with your own doctor and determine a schedule that is appropriate for you.

The more expanded response: a lot depends on your pre-op diagnosis, whether or not you are having symptoms/problems with the pouch, and your doctor's own preference. (If your pre-op diagnosis was cancer or dysplasia, then you should definitely get it looked at regularly). However, even if you are not having issues, it probably wouldn't be a bad idea to have the pouch looked at AT LEAST every 3-5 years (my own GI feels 2-3 years is reasonable if everything else checks out.). More recently, though, it has even been suggested by facilities including the Cleveland Clinic, that pouches should be scoped annually for the risk of developing cancer of the rectal cuff, but again many doctors don't feel it's necessary to do it that often, if the pouch has previously looked good. It must be considered that the scope itself is an invasive procedure, and that is the reason why many doctors don't feel it's necessary to subject their patients to annual scopes when there isn't any specific reason to.

Personally? Unless I'm having issues, I'd ask to be scoped at least every other year. I think that timeframe is reasonable.

I would go at least every 3-5 years if you do not have FAP or had cancer previously. People over the age of 50 get scoped every 5 years for colon cancer screening. Only makes sense to still get a scope IMO to prevent or catch cancer.

I get scoped 2 times a year but I have FAP. One good thing is I am awake for mine. Just had a scope at CC last week and watched the inside of my pouch. Pretty neat.

I'm scheduling one a year after the last one as I'm still having cuffitis and had c.diff problems and don't know, I might have pouchitis too.

I think if you are having problems you should go annually and if not wait just like those getting colonoscopies.