Ileo-anal reservoir, or IAR, is a condition in which a part of the body leaks urine or excreta into the rectum. For individuals who have ileo-anal reservoirs or wish to learn more about the illness, there are numerous resources available, a list of websites, publications, and supportive services. An Ileo-anal reservoir (IAR) surgery has the potential to cause difficulties. Whether you have a problem depends on your wellness and dietary status before the procedure, as well as the medications you take. Short-term issues that arise quickly after surgery and long-term complications that occur months or years later are the two categories of complications that are specific to the IAR process. These issues should be discussed with your surgeon. Following an abdominal procedure, you may have the following complications:

• blockage in the bowel that prevents fluids and solids from moving through
• a pause in the resumption of regular bowel movements (paralytic ileus)
• an infection of the wound and surrounding tissues, which can cause an infected area or a deeper accumulation of infectious fluid in the belly (abscess)

Occasionally, individuals with indeterminate colitis develop Crohn’s disease, which impacts the anus and other sections of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as their excretions. Diarrhea, cramping, swelling (pouchitis), and a tightening of the link between both the reservoir and the anus (stricture) are all symptoms of reservoir swelling, finding it difficult to clear the reservoir. Incontinence is induced by stool seeping out from the reservoir, which can happen day or night.

Pouchitis is a condition in which the reservoir (or pouch) becomes inflamed, resulting in diarrhea, cramps, and bloating. Only patients with the IAR for ulcerative colitis or indeterminate colitis are at risk for pouchitis. The link between both the reservoir and the anus is narrowed by a stricture. Stool leakage from the reservoir can happen uncontrollably. Incontinence may be exacerbated by certain pharmaceuticals, including sleeping pills.

Some people with the IAR may experience frequent loose stools (vastly higher than 8 per day). To manage the looser stools, eating adjustments can be made. If dietary adjustments cannot control diarrhea, you may also need to resort to medication. If you’ve been having trouble with loose stools, talk to an Enterostomal Therapy Nurse or surgeon about how to proceed. The chances of getting cancer in the reservoir or anus are quite slim. But, keep an eye on your reservoir and anus frequently to keep track of any abnormalities. Once a year, this should be done. Your physician will explain how often you should return for examinations.

Every abdominal incision has the potential to affect a woman’s fertility, because of the surgery itself or because of unforeseen complications. In the first trimester, some women might notice an increase in reservoir function as the uterus “goes head to head” for room in the pelvis. With a “regular” amount of feces, the reservoir might not fully grow, but this normally improves in between the second half of pregnancy. Your practitioner and obstetrician should examine and talk to you about the pros and cons between a vaginal delivery or a cesarean section.