Rectum Removal Optional?

The jpouch is designed to replace the rectum, then you make do without the colon. 

The advice and best practice is to remove as much of the colon and rectum as possible.  I specifically asked the surgeon about keeping the rectum (I figured with it I could pass gas easier which would alleviate a lot of the pain experienced by jpouchers, he said he could but that he strongly recommended against it.

I followed his advice.   This advice is pretty much universal from what I canc tell and you will see lots of people talking about the rectal cuff.  Basically depending on your build they cut as much out as possible.  I'm quite thin so it was easier on me, larger build people will have some cuff left but nowhere near enough to be functional, and can be prone to further issues.

I dont think they give you an option to keep the rectum atleast I wasnt given any. My surgeon told colitis has a very chance of flaring up in the rectum so its best to remove most of it. Its not worth having another surgery in future if the rectum developes ulcers. The pouch is a substitute for the functions of rectum.

I was not given an option. I had colon cancer and every bit of the colon had to be removed so there was no chance that the cancer could come back. That included the rectal area. Good luck and take care.

yup, no more colon with the k pouch.  you'll have a barbie doll butt!  sore after the surgery, but no more need for it.  

when is your surgery scheduled?  did your surgeon train under dr. kiran in nyc?  he had mentioned training an australian.  we'll be here for you.  janet