Pouchoscopy

During a pouchoscopy, an endoscope is inserted into your anus and then moved slowly into your small bowel pouch. You may have a feeling of pressure or fullness during the procedure and your doctor might take a painless biopsy of the lining of your gastrointestinal tract.

You can choose conscious sedation, which will block pain and relax you, but some people don’t use any anesthesia for a pouchoscopy.

In general, severe complications from pouchoscopies are rare. You should also know that Hancock Regional Hospital has been rated one of the safest hospitals in America by The Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit health care watchdog organization; and was named the safest hospital in Indiana on the Lown Institute Hospital Index.

If you have a small bowl pouch, delaying or avoiding a pouchoscopy may put you at risk for undiagnosed cancer or other gastrointestinal conditions.

Your health insurance provider may require you to get a referral from your primary care provider to see a surgeon about a pouchoscopy.

You should work with the surgeon with whom you feel comfortable, whether that’s one of our surgeons or not.

In some cases, it takes time for a patient’s body to be ready for a pouchoscopy. For example, if you have another medical issue including another surgical procedure or an illness, we might wait to perform your pouchoscopy. Your health and safety are our top priorities, so we schedule surgeries when they’re best for our patients.

Consult the Price Transparency Tool at HancockRegionalHospital.org for an idea of how much a pouchoscopy might cost.

Medicare parts A and B will cover the cost of a pouchoscopy, but it’s important for your doctor to indicate that the surgery is medically necessary.

As a patient, you play a critical role ahead of your pouchoscopy through a process called bowel preparation. There are a few different kinds, which can involve consuming a liquid or using enemas. Your doctor will determine what kind is best for you based on your medical history and their particular preference. Some of these products require a prescription, while others are available over-the-counter. They all have the same goal: to remove everything in your colon prior to the procedure. You may experience some skin irritation around the anus due to the passage of liquid stools. You can prevent and treat this skin irritation by applying ointment to the skin around the anus before drinking the bowel preparation medication.

You’ll arrive 1-2 hours before your procedure and be escorted to the preoperative waiting area.You’ll remove all of your clothing and jewelry, and put on a hospital gown. (Your valuables will be placed in a secure area or may be given to a family member.) You’ll sign any necessary paperwork and a preoperative nurse will take your vital signs, review your medications, and answer any questions.You’ll meet the members of your surgery team. An I.V. (intravenous line) will be placed in your hand or arm, so medications, including a sedative, can be administered. If you’re using a different kind of anesthesia, you’ll receive an injection.When it’s time for your surgery, you will be wheeled into the operating suite on a stretcher.

In addition to the surgeon, you have an anesthesiologist, nurses—some of them specialize in working with patients and others assist the surgeon—and support staff, who get you checked in and out, compile your records, and more. They all work together, performing their individual jobs, so the procedure is as successful as possible. 

Anything you’ll need for an overnight stay, including a change of underwear, a sweatshirt, glasses or contacts, headphones, and your medications. You probably will not be there overnight, but it’s a good idea to be prepared.

You’ll lie on your side with your knees drawn up towards your chest. You will feel relaxed and drowsy, or fall asleep, due to the sedation.

A pouchoscopy typically lasts from 15 to 30 minutes.

While the length of a hospital stay depends on each patient’s individual needs, patients are typically discharged within a few hours following the procedure.

After the procedure, you will be moved to a recovery room where you will stay until you’re ready for discharge. The amount of time you are in recovery depends on whether or not you were sedated and what type of pain medication you receive.

You’ll be able to talk to your surgeon immediately after your procedure, while you’re in the recovery room.

In most cases, patients receive pain medication immediately following surgery.

Your doctor may prescribe medications to ease cramping, gas pains, or other discomfort associated with the procedure. 

Make sure you have groceries for when you arrive home from the procedure. If you live alone, you may want to arrange for a friend or family member to check in with you.

Physical therapy and rehabilitation is not typically needed after a pouchoscopy. Our associates will help you arrange the postoperative care you’ll need.

There will not likely be any scarring or stitches to remove.

If you have an emergency following your procedure, call your surgeon’s office. If you’re in need of immediate emergency services, go to the nearest emergency room.