Evaluation of pouches and stomas

Patients with ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease often undergo surgical procedures for medically refractory disease or colitis-associated neoplasia. Ileal pouch surgery has become the surgical treatment of choice for patients with ulcerative colitis who require colectomy, while ileostomy is still a valid option for the treatment of patients with refractory Crohn's disease or with pouch failure. Endoscopic evaluation of the ileal pouch and stoma is often needed to assess disease recurrence, disease activity, and dysplasia surveillance and to deliver of therapy. It is important to be familiar with the anatomy and landmarks of the surgically altered bowel structure.