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 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. Talk with your surgeon if you are a candidate for this surgery, the benefits, lifestyle changes (diet) and risks (such as pouchitis) of this surgery.