I had to have my J pouch removed for medical reasons, but opted for a procedure referred to as a continent ileostomy. This procedure (K pouch or similar BCIR) does not require having an external bag and is easily emptied at the person’s convenience 3-5 times a day with a small plastic catheter. This procedure has a high success rate as well as a high user satisfaction. Unfortunately, many gastroenterologists and surgeons do not mention this option to their patients for a variety of reasons.
I published an article in UOAA’s magazine, The Phoenix, entitled “Researching My Options”, that could help with decision you need to make. This article can be found in the Quality Life Association’s web page (www.qla-ostomy.org) under the “Ostomy Options and Education” tab. The Quality Life Association is hosting its annual conference in Phoenix, AZ between September 27 and October. You don’t have to be a QLA member to attend. This conference will include presentations by noted continent ileostomy doctors who will be available to answer questions that you might have. In addition, there will be many people with continent pouches who you could talk to. Information about the conference is also on the Quality Life Association web page. Please feel free to message me with any questions.