What are the symptoms of pouchitis?

Signs and symptoms of pouchitis can include diarrhea, abdominal pain, joint pain, cramps and fever. Other signs and symptoms include an increased number of bowel movements, nighttime stool leakage, difficulty controlling bowel movements and a strong urge to have a bowel movement.

What happens if a J-pouch fails?

J-Pouch Failure The failed J-pouch may leak, leading to potentially life-threatening pelvic sepsis. Other complications include: Obstruction – A blockage in the intestine that prevents stool from passing. A full obstruction is a medical emergency.

What causes Cuffitis?

Cuffitis is inflammation at the anal transition zone or “cuff” created as a result of ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA). It is considered a variant form of ulcerative colitis that occurs in the rectal cuff.

Is pouchitis serious?

The inflammation can cause increased bowel frequency (having to go to the bathroom more often), abdominal cramping or bloating, lower abdominal pain, or sometimes blood in the stool. This condition should be evaluated and managed by an experienced gastroenterologist.

How is pouchitis treated?

Pouchitis is usually treated with a 14-day course of antibiotics. The doctor may also recommend probiotics (“good” bacteria that normally live in the digestive tract) such as Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and Thermophilus.

How can pouchitis be prevented?

PRIMARY PREVENTION For primary prevention of pouchitis and to promote optimal pouch function, patients with an ileal pouch are advised to: Avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), because NSAIDs are associated with increased risk for chronic pouchitis [9].

Can pouchitis heal itself?

Patients who are having a first episode of pouchitis are almost always treated successfully with antibiotics. However, in many cases, the disease relapses (comes back) at a later time.