Pouchoscopy

What kind of outcome is typical for a pouchoscopy?

A pouchoscopy should allow your doctor to determine if your small bowl pouch is functioning properly and if you have inflammation, or abnormal growths and tissue.

What are the risks of not having a pouchoscopy?

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

What are possible side effects and complications of a pouchoscopy?

While rare, some of the possible complications of this procedure may include bleeding from the site where a tissue sample (biopsy) was taken or a polyp or other abnormal tissue was removed, a tear in the colon or rectum wall, or an adverse reaction to the sedative used during the exam.

How safe is 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.

How do I know a pouchoscopy is right for me?

If you have a small bowl pouch, or J-pouch, getting regular pouchoscopies are often recommended.

Do I have options for anesthesia for my pouchoscopy?

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

What issue does a pouchoscopy solve?

A pouchoscopy allows your doctor to examine the lining of a small bowel pouch, any inflammation or abnormal growths and tissue.

How is a pouchoscopy done?

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.

What happens if my symptoms get worse while I wait for my pouchoscopy ?

Your surgical team will evaluate the situation and help you make a choice that’s right for you and your health. Temporary treatments might be used if your pouchoscopy is rescheduled. 

Why might I have to wait to schedule a pouchoscopy?

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.

Will the surgical team know my health history?

Your health history will be compiled and available to the team before, during, and after your procedure. If you’re a Hancock Health patient, we will be able to access your records within our system. If you aren’t, we will work with your doctors to get the necessary information.

How should I decide which surgeon’s advice to follow?

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

What should I bring to my first appointment with a surgeon?

• Insurance information  
• Medical records, including your medical history, from your primary care physician
• A complete list of all medications you take on a regular basis, including any over-the-counter medication

Do I need a referral to see a surgeon for a pouchoscopy?

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

How long does it take the sedation to wear off after my pouchoscopy?

The sedation will begin to wear off in 20 minutes and you will be fully recovered within six hours.

What do I need to bring to the hospital the day of my pouchoscopy?

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.

Why am I asked for my name and date of birth every time I get medicine?

It’s a safety precaution to make sure you’re receiving the medication that’s prescribed for you.

Why are there so many people on my surgery team?

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. 

Will I need someone to take me home after a pouchoscopy?

For your safety and the safety of other motorists, you willneed someone to drive you home. If you don’t have a ride, we’ll help you arrange one.

What should I expect right before a pouchoscopy?

• 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.

Why can’t I eat before surgery?

For your pouchoscopy, it’s important that your colon is completely clear. There’s also a risk of aspiration, which means you’re breathing foreign objects, like food or saliva, into your lungs. This can occur because the anesthetic for surgery can impair your body’s ability to stop the contents of your stomach from entering your lungs.

How should I prepare for a pouchoscopy?

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.

How long will I be in the hospital after a pouchoscopy?

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.

How long will I be under for my pouchoscopy?

A pouchoscopy is often done with conscious sedation. You are given a pain reliever and a sedative intravenously, so the pouchoscopy will not hurt. But you will not be unconscious unless your physician decides to use general anesthesia.

How long will the pouchoscopy take?

A pouchoscopy typically lasts from 15 to 30 minutes.

When will my family be informed about how I’m doing?

Our associates will get information from the surgical team in the operating room during your surgery and keep them updated.

What will happen during a pouchoscopy?

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.

Will I need to fill any prescriptions or take medication after a pouchoscopy?

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

How soon after a pouchoscopy can I eat or drink?

Unless otherwise instructed, you may immediately return to your normal diet.

Will I receive pain medication right after surgery?

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

How soon after a pouchoscopy will I be up and moving around?

You will be up and moving around almost immediately after the procedure, but patients are encouraged to avoid alcohol, driving, and operating machinery for 24 hours after a pouchoscopy.

When will I get to talk to my surgeon after surgery?

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

How will I know if the pouchoscopy worked?

Your surgeon will discuss your procedure with you, and you will likely receive the results of any biopsies in a week or two.

What can I expect right after my pouchoscopy?

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.

What are payment options like for pouchoscopy at Hancock Health?

Hancock Health is committed to helping make great care affordable for all patients. To find out more about payment options, please visit the billing and insurance FAQ page at HancockRegionalHospital.org.

Will Medicare cover my pouchoscopy?

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.

Will insurance cover my pouchoscopy?

In most cases, insurance will cover most of the costs associated with a pouchoscopy. To obtain an estimate of your possible out-of-pocket expenses, use our Price Estimator Tool.

How much does a pouchoscopy cost?

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