pouchitis
Inflammatory condition affecting the ileal pouch after pouch-anal anastomosis surgery.
Full Definition
Pouchitis is an inflammatory condition that can develop in patients who have undergone ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) surgery. It represents inflammation of the ileal reservoir and is the most common long-term complication of IPAA procedures. Symptoms include increased stool frequency, urgency, cramping, bleeding, and sometimes fever. The exact etiology is unclear but may involve bacterial overgrowth, immune dysfunction, or ischemia. Diagnosis is made through clinical symptoms, endoscopic findings, and sometimes histological examination. Treatment typically involves antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, or probiotics.
Usage
Usage note: Never hyphenate; always one word.
In Context
- "The patient presented with symptoms consistent with acute pouchitis three months post-IPAA." — Emergency department note
- "Pouchoscopy confirmed moderate pouchitis with mucosal ulceration." — Endoscopy report