Pouchy.orgStrictures
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
Last reviewed: June 27, 2026 · Pouchy.org patient education, medically reviewed by Stefan D. Holubar, MD, MS (Cleveland Clinic).
Educational content only — not medical advice. Pouchy.org explains general concepts about pouch surgery. Always discuss your own care with your surgical and GI team.