A surgically created (J-shaped) internal reservoir made from an individual’s own small intestine as an alternate way to store and pass stool.
The ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) surgery is the most common pelvic pouch (see also, S, W, Kock pouch) surgery performed and most typically used to treat those with ulcerative colitis and inherited conditions such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP).
J-Pouch creation is most often a multi-step surgery that requires a temporary ileostomy (stoma) on the abdomen and the use of an external pouching system to eliminate waste. When successful the stoma is reversed and patients return to expelling waste through the anus. Read more in our guide and talk with your doctor about who is a candidate for this surgery, the benefits, lifestyle changes (diet) and risks (such as pouchitis) of this surgery.
J-Pouch Infographic Poster
(For printing purposes this is a poster in 11×17 size)
J-Pouch Infographic in Spanish
Contact Us
United Ostomy Associations of America
P.O. Box 2293
Biddeford, ME 04005-2293
Call us toll-free at: 1-800-826-0826.
Our Information Line hours are Monday-Friday, 9am to 3pm EST. If you have an emergency, please dial 911 or contact your local medical professional.
Please understand that UOAA is a private, nonprofit, advocacy and informational organization. We are not a medical facility and we do not have medical or legal professionals on staff. Therefore, UOAA does not provide Medical, Mental Health, Insurance or Legal Advice. Visit UOAA Virtual Ostomy Clinic provided by The Wound Company for non-emergency, virtual ostomy support.
