The ileal pouch provides a reservoir for fecal storage. Typically, the operation is performed in two stages. In the first stage a temporary ileostomy is created. After a period of time the ileostomy is removed to direct the intestinal stream during the healing of the ileoanal pouch. Alternatively some medical centers favor a single-stage procedure where no temporary ileostomy is used.
All operations involve removal of all or most of the colon.
After a complete discussion of these operations, the patient and surgeon together can decide which one is best. In some cases, after colon removal, a person may have an ileostomy. An ileostomy is an opening on the abdomen through which stool leaves the body. An ileostomy can be temporary or permanent. In most cases it is necessary to wear an appliance called an ileostomy bag to collect body wastes.