Accutane Recall News

by admin on January 27th, 2011

Along with Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis is one of the most common forms of Accutane inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) problems. An Accutane recall from the marketplace was announced in 2009 following ongoing lititgation over IBD Accutane side effects. While the two disorders are similar, there are a few notable differences, one of which influences whether surgery can be performed as a curative approach. Crohn’s disease can affect any portion of the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus. Ulcerative colitis is limited to the rectum, colon, and sometimes, the last section of the small intestine (the ileum).

Treatment of UC is normally given in the form of medications, such as corticosteroids and mesalamine. However, up to 40 percent of patients eventually choose to undergo surgery to resolve issues stemming from extensive intestinal inflammation. Some patients display massive hemorrhage, toxic megacolon, fistulas, and other complications that make emergency surgery necessary. Below, we’ll describe the most common surgical approaches taken to treat advanced Accutane ulcerative colitis.

Proctocolectomy With Ileostomy

This approach combines two separate procedures. A proctocolectomy is the surgical removal of the colon, rectum, and anus. An ileostomy, performed after a proctocolectomy, is the construction of a small hole (approximately the size of a quarter) in the lower abdomen. The hole is called a stoma. The end of the ileum is brought through the stoma to allow drainage of waste from the small intestine.

Those who undergo surgery must wear a small bag over the stoma at all times. The bag is used to collect waste from the ileum, and must be emptied throughout the course of each day. Another consideration involves diet. Because high-fiber foods are often difficult to digest in the small intestine, they may obstruct the passage of waste material through the stoma. Consequently, dietary changes may be necessary following surgery.

J-Pouch Surgery

This approach preserves the sphincter muscles of the anus, and thus allows patients to pass waste via normal bowel movements. The procedure is completed in two steps. The first step involves the removal of the colon and inner lining of the rectum. Then, the surgeon creates a small pouch from the ileum. Waste collects within this pouch before passing from the body through the anus. Because the pouch requires several weeks to heal, your surgeon will also create a temporary ileostomy through which waste can be drained.

The second step is completed once the pouch heals, a process that can require up to three months. The temporary stoma is closed; the ileostomy is removed; and the ileal pouch is connected to the anus. At this point, the bag used to cover the stoma and catch waste is no longer needed, and can be discarded.

J-pouch surgery is a newer method for treating Accutane ulcerative colitis than proctocolectomy. The procedure is also known as ileoanal anastomosis, ileal pouch reconstruction, and restorative proctocolectomy. Each of these names refer to the same surgical approach.

Possible Complications Of J-Pouch Surgery

There are two main complications that can surface with J-pouch surgery. The first is called pouchitis. The pouch constructed from the ileum (last section of the small intestine) becomes inflamed. This occurs in nearly one of three patients who undergo the procedure. The inflammation can cause a range of symptoms, including difficulty passing stools, bloody diarrhea, dehydration, and abdominal pain.

The second complication involves obstructions in the bowel. These are usually due to scarring that occurs as a result of the ileal pouch construction. You might experience pain in the abdomen accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Some patients can minimize these symptoms by fasting. Others require subsequent surgery.

Accutane Recall
Surgery for Accutane side effects caused by ulcerative colitis is seldom the first option for treatment. Drug therapy is usually given first. When medications prove ineffective, or life-threatening complications arise, surgery becomes the next best alternative. If you have suffered from chronic abdominal pain, bowel problems, or other serious Accutane inflammatory bowel disease side effects, you may be able to file a claim for compensation. Contact an Accutane lawsuit attorney to discuss your options.