Strictures
Narrowings that can affect how the pouch empties.
What Is a Stricture?
A stricture is a narrowing in the bowel, most commonly at the connection point between the pouch and anus, but sometimes higher up in the small bowel. Strictures can be caused by scar tissue, healing after a leak or infection, or chronic inflammation.
Common Symptoms
- Difficulty starting bowel movements or feeling of incomplete emptying
- Thin, ribbon-like stools
- Bloating or cramping after eating
- Increased straining at stool
- Symptoms that gradually worsen over weeks to months
How Strictures Are Diagnosed
Diagnosis is usually made by your surgeon or gastroenterologist during a pouch examination or endoscopy. Sometimes imaging tests (such as a contrast study or MRI) are also helpful, especially if the stricture is suspected to be higher up.
Treatment Options
- Gentle dilation in the office or operating room (often very effective for short, mild strictures)
- Repeat dilations if the stricture tends to come back
- Treating any underlying inflammation that may be contributing
- Surgical revision in selected cases when other approaches don’t work