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After many yrs with an ileostomy and initially being told it was for life, I've been offered J pouch creation at St Marks.

Although I've disliked the ileostomy since day one and longed for the day when I would not need it; due to the risk in regard to erectile disfunction, its been a difficult decision to make.

However, my J pouch surgery is due soon and although the initial op which created the ileostomy was by open surgery, I assumed my J Pouch surgery, due to new techniques, would be by keyhole surgery.

I discovered my Surgeon does not perform keyhole surgery and should I request it, my operation date will be postponed, maybe until next year.

I already have the scar, the thought of another incision to heal, taking years to look like my current scar has created doubts.

All my research, quoted percentages of failure and risk of erectile disfunction etc, I guess has all been based on open surgery rather than keyhole surgery.

I've done many months of research before I reached my decision, psyched myself up for surgery and now this.

Last edited by Former Member
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Lap surgery for J pouch was not available in 1991; I had open surgery, incision > 12 inches long.

Later I had a C section and then needed a large ovarian cyst removed. They tried to do it laprascopically, but were unable to, because of my previous surgeries and the adhesions they left behind.

So at this point, I'm pretty sure I'm no candidate for "key hole" type surgeries, anyway.

Something you might want to inquire about.
if you have the choice between laparoscopic and open surgery then its a no brainer, delay the surgery and have laparoscopic.

less risks, and faster recovery.

I had my first op done at st marks in December 2014. IIRC, there are three surgeons there that can do laparoscopic j pouch surgery and they are all equally good.

I just had my second surgery(1 more to go)to remove the rectum and create the j pouch.

I had Mr Jenkins both times although the second time was done privately at The London Clinic although he does NHS surgeries at ST Marks too....
Thanks for the replies.

However, I'm so frustrated as all the research which has help me make my decision, does that refer to open surgery or key hole surgery ?

All these so called percentage of risk, are they in reference to key hole surgery or open surgery,

I just can't believe that a hospital such as St Marks has failed to inform me of the type of surgery I would be receiving until I asked specific questions during my pre assessment appointment, yet again, I feel let down.

Thanks Shainy and everyone else.

I've prepared myself for surgery and been imagining that within 6 months I wont have the bag, so that alone is steering towards open surgery..

Although not completely decided, I don't fancy waiting till the end of the year for Surgery.

I hoped to be on the road to a complete recovery by next year..

Last edited by Former Member

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