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Surgery questions / Who had surgery at Barnes Jewish?

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Posted 7/1/2015 8:11 PM (GMT 0)

Hi all,

I am new to the ostomies section.  I was previously diagnosed with Crohn's diagnosis switched to UC and now pending possible jpouch surgery.  This is all new to me as surgery wasn't really an option before.  I have a couple questions after I met with the surgeon

1)  has anyone had Jpouch surgery done by  Dr Sekhar Dharmarajan at Washington University/Barnes Jewish?

 

2)  If not that surgeon anyone have the surgery done with a Wahington Univ/Barnes colorectal surgeon?

 

3)  How many people have the 2 step surgery vs 3 step?  From my research it seemed like 2 was becoming more common but this surgeon says he does 90% 3 step and thinks it has a better outcome.  I am worried about the bag situation so this disappointed me as I was hoping for shorter bag time.

 

Thanks for helping out a newbie!

Posted 7/1/2015 9:00 PM (GMT 0)
I can't comment on the first 2 since I didn't have my surgery by anyone there.
I had a two step jpouch procedure. Everything turned out really well for me. I love my jpouch! I was also very worried about having a bag and it is definitely hard to adjust to at first. I can see why you would be disappointed about having to have a bag longer than you would with a two step. However, I feel as if your surgeon thinks it is better for you and is more confident doing three step than that is what you should do. Or you could always research different surgeons and go with one that is experienced in two steps and is willing to do it on you. Regardless, it will still be a difficult adjustment but I can tell you in my case it was soooo worth it! Not everyone has the same experience so I can't promise you it will turn out like mine. But I am off all medicine and only go to the bathroom about 6-8 times a day with 1 at night. Good luck with whichever step surgery you end up having and don't hesitate to ask any questions that you have!(:
Posted 7/1/2015 11:16 PM (GMT 0)
I had a two step laparoscopic procedure. My surgeon does mostly two step procedures for patients that are candidates. Smooth surgeries, no problems. I'm five years post op and all is well. :)
Posted 7/2/2015 3:01 AM (GMT 0)
Hi there I can't help you with your first two questions as I had my surgeries at Cleveland Clinic, which I will highly recommend. I believe they saved my life.

I, like you, was initially diagnosed Crohns but was rediagnosed as UC when I went to Cleveland for a second opinion. I was immediately admitted upon getting there and was told it looked like a bomb went off in my colon. The GI recommended immediate surgery as his team did not believe there was any medicine that would improve my situation. That being said, I had the jpouch surgery in 3 steps due to my prednisone usage, severe malnutrition, and history of CDiff. The first surgery was in June, the second surgery was in october, and takedown was in February. I don't regret anything I have been through. My life today is great and I have my life back. A lot of times the decision of two or three steps depends on your health and whether you are an emergency case or not. Good luck to you in whatever path you take. There are a lot of wonderful people on here that helped me tremendously through my operations.
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