Restorative Proctocolectomy

A restorative proctocolectomy is a surgical procedure to treat ulcerative colitis, familial adenomatous polyposis and Crohn’s disease. The procedure involves the removal of the entire colon and rectum and the creation of a new, permanent means of waste elimination. The part of the small intestine closest to the rectum is used to create a pouch that serves as a reservoir for waste, which is then emptied through a small opening in the abdominal wall. This new pouch functions as a reservoir, which is able to store and eliminate waste just like a normal rectum and colon. It is often accompanied by the formation of a “J-pouch” or “stoma”, where a tube is inserted into the pouch to assist in controlling bowels movements. The advantages of this surgery can include a decrease in symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea and urgency, as well as an improved quality of life. Restorative proctocolectomy is a complex and invasive surgery, but it is an effective treatment option for many people with ulcerative colitis, familial adenomatous polyposis or Crohn’s disease.