Pouches and stomas

A third of patients with ulcerative colitis will need colectomy. This can be followed by ileal pouch formation to enable restoration of normal bowel continuity. Patients with familial adenomatous polyposis may also undergo pouch formation. The commonest long-term problem with pouches is pouchitis though this can often be treated with antibiotics. Stomas come in many forms but the commonest types are ileostomy or colostomy and these can be permanent or temporary. The expertise of a stoma nurse is vital to the management of these patients.