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A J-pouch is a viable option to manage your stool evacuations as it restores your ability to have bowel movements the natural way. The surgeon will connect your small intestine with the anus after removing the colon that had become infected due to cancer, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn’s disease. Unfortunately, the rate of failure of the j-pouch is a bit higher as compared to other options. This failure can lead a patient to require an alternative solution that offers continence. The most viable alternative to a failed J-pouch is the BCIR, which is a continent ileostomy that gives you total control over when to eliminate waste materials from your body.

Reasons for the failure of a j-pouch

Naturally, a j-pouch doesn’t restore the perfect bowel function because it consists of a connection between a reservoir made of the end of the small intestine and the anal canal. The anal sphincters do not let the waste to pass out until the surgically created pouch becomes full. When this pouch fills up, you will feel the urge to go to the toilet.

If you experience any of the following problems, you may consider it a j-pouch failure.

• You have to go to the toilet multiple times a day.
• The stool leaks from your anus.
• You feel the urge to empty your pouch during the night.
• You have irritation on the skin around the anus.

These issues are not only painful, but they also instill a constant fear of the leakage of gas and stool. A Barnett Continent Intestinal Reservoir, or BCIR, could be the most viable solution to this problem.

What is a BCIR?

A BCIR restores your ability to have control over stool evacuations incredibly. The internal pouch created in this process consists of the pieces of large and small intestines, and it has a reasonable capacity to store waste materials. The surgeon will also create a valve using the tissues taken from the ileum. This valve will connect the internal pouch to the abdominal opening. A collar made living tissues from the small intestine will further secure the valve.

This self-sealing valve prevents the leakage of any stool or gas. It may discharge some mucus, but that will be quite manageable with the help of a small covering. You are going to have to use a catheter to draw waste materials out of the internal pouch. Inserting this catheter into the reservoir is a painless process.

What are the other benefits of a BCIR?

• You will not need to wear an external pouch to manage stools.
• You will have complete control over when to evacuate stools.
• There will be no associated discomfort, especially on the skin around the opening.
• You will be able to have your favorite diet.
• You will be better able to participate in sports and other physical activities.

After your colon is removed, having a BCIR is the next best thing. You, however, need to discuss this option with your doctor regarding whether or not you qualify for it.