An ileo-anal pouch is an internal reservoir formed by connecting the end of the small intestine (the ileum) to the rectum.
Ileo-anal pouches are constructed for people who have had their large intestine surgically removed due to disease or injury. Diseases of the large intestine which may require surgical removal include:
There is debate about whether patients suffering from Crohn's disease are suitable candidates for an ileo-anal pouch due to the risk of the disease occurring in the pouch and making matters even worse. An alternative to an ileo-anal pouch is an ileostomy.
History
The surgical procedure for forming an ileo-anal pouch was developed as an alternative to the ileostomy where, in the absence of a colon, intestinal waste is emptied into a bag attached to the abdomen.
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