Pouchitis

Definition

A rare intestinal disease characterized by non-specific inflammation of the ileal reservoir following ileal pouch anal anastomosis surgery. It generally occurs after the restoration of the fecal stream through the pouch and may be classified as acute or chronic, depending on the symptom duration (less or more than 4 weeks). Clinical presentation is variable and unspecific and commonly includes increased stool frequency and fluidity, rectal bleeding, abdominal cramps, bowel urgency, tenesmus, and nocturnal bowel incontinence.