Pouchoscopy

Pouchoscopy
PurposeExam ileo-anal pouch

Pouchoscopy is a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure to examine an ileo-anal pouch, a replacement for the colon / rectum which is surgically created from the small intestine (ileum) as treatment for ulcerative colitis, a preventive measure in certain genetic illnesses such as FAP or HNPCC or as a procedure in the treatment of colon cancer. Typically, a fiber optic camera on a flexible tube is passed through the anus. Pouchoscopy is the first line test to evaluate pouch dysfunction, and is used for surveillance in individuals with genetic cancer syndromes (FAP).[1] While pouchoscopy may help assess the integrity of the J-pouch (hence the name pouchoscopy), this evaluation is more commonly completed using a pouchogram (a necessary step in preparing for reversal of the temporary ileostomy, or takedown surgery). A pouchoscopy is normally part of a routine follow up and is used to confirm the diagnosis of pouchitis and cuffitis.[citation needed]

  1. ^ van der Ploeg, VA; Maeda, Y; Faiz, OD; Hart, AL; Clark, SK (October 2018). "Standardising assessment and documentation of pouchoscopy". Frontline Gastroenterology. 9 (4): 309–314. doi:10.1136/flgastro-2017-100928. PMC 6145428. PMID 30245794.