Print OverviewPouchitis is inflammation that occurs in the lining of a pouch created during surgery to treat ulcerative colitis or certain other diseases. Many people with ulcerative colitis need to have their diseased colon removed and the bowel reconnected with a procedure called ileoanal anastomosis (J-pouch) surgery. In J-pouch surgery, surgeons use the end of the small intestine (ileum) to create a pouch shaped like the letter J. The pouch is attached internally to the area just above the anus to hold waste before it's eliminated. Pouchitis is a complication of J-pouch surgery. It occurs in about one-quarter to nearly one-half of the people who have the procedure.Products & ServicesA Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health BookNewsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital EditionShow more products from Mayo Clinic SymptomsSigns and symptoms of pouchitis can include diarrhea, abdominal pain, joint pain, cramps and fever. Other signs and symptoms include an increased number of bowel movements, nighttime stool leakage, difficulty controlling bowel movements and a strong urge to have a bowel movement. Clinical trials Explore Mayo Clinic studies testing new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition. By Mayo Clinic Staff Pouchitis care at Mayo Clinic Request an appointment Doctors & departments June 11, 2022 Print Show references Sedano R, et al. Diagnostic and management approach to pouchitis in inflammatory bowel disease. Arquivos de Gastroenterologia. 2019; doi:10.1590/S0004-2803.202000000-17. Shen B. Pouchitis: Epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and diagnosis. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Sept. 4, 2020. Brown AY. AllScripts EPSi. Mayo Clinic. Sept. 4, 2020. Related Products & Services A Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital Edition Show more products and services from Mayo Clinic PouchitisSymptoms&causesDoctors&departmentsCare atMayoClinic Advertisement Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Advertising & Sponsorship Policy Opportunities Ad Choices Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on IncontinenceThe Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic PressThe Essential Diabetes BookMayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on Hearing and BalanceFREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic PressFREE Mayo Clinic Diet AssessmentMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book CON-20306105 Patient Care & Health Information Diseases & Conditions Pouchitis