What is Pouchitis?

Pouchitis is inflammation of the lining of the pouch (small bowel pocket) created to hold bowel movements in individuals with ulcerative colitis who have had all of their large intestine or colon removed.  

What are the symptoms of pouchitis?

Symptoms of pouchitis are often similar to those of ulcerative colitis, including diarrhea, abdominal pain, bleeding, fever, joint pain and increased stool frequency. 

How is pouchitis diagnosed?

The diagnosis of pouchitis is done through the presence of symptoms in a patient ho has a pouch done after their colon is taken out and presence of inflammation of the pouch seen on flexible sigmoidoscopy and biopsies (tissue samples) taken during it. 

How common is pouchitis?

It is estimated that 32 percent of patients who get an ileoanal pouch after having their colon removed for ulcerative colitis will develop pouchitis at some time or another in their life.  The longer you have had your pouch, the greater your risk is for developing the disease.    Additionally, individuals with immunologic skin disease, severe inflammatory joint diseases, smokers or those with a history of primary sclerosing are at greater risk. Some patients may only get one attack and a small group of patients may have recurrent attacks.

How is pouchitis treated?

Pouchitis is usually treated using antibiotics to relieve the inflammation.  Immunosuppressive medications and probiotics may also be utilized in those with chronic symptoms.  Rarely, in chronic pouchitis, patients may opt to convert to a standard ileostomy, which eliminates the condition.