Term: J-pouch coloanal anastomosis

Pronunciation: (... powch KOH-loh-AY-nul uh-NAS-toh-MOH-sis)

Description:

A surgical procedure in which the colon is attached to the anus after the rectum has been removed. A 2-4 inch section of the colon is formed into a J-shaped pouch in order to replace the function of the rectum and store stool until it can be eliminated. This procedure is similar to the side-to-end coloanal anastomosis but a larger pouch is formed.