POUCHITIS

The most common complication of surgery for ulcerative colitis is what's known as pouchitis. Once the large intestine (colon) is removed, a pouch is created using the loops of the small intestine. That allows the pouch to act like the rectum used to, as a reservoir holding the contents (stool, poop) so you can use the toilet as you normally would. 

Pouchitis occurs when that area becomes inflamed, often from infection. The area can be looked at with a scope and stool tests can sometimes pinpoint the cause. Pouchitis can often be treated with antibiotics.

What Are the Symptoms of Pouchitis?  

Symptoms can include 

• Diarrhea 
• Frequent stools with urgency to get to the bathroom
• Lower abdominal pain
• Fever
• Dehydration

Severe pouchitis or repeated episodes may need to be investigated further. This can mean that there is a difficult infection, like C diff that is resisting control and needs additional measures. Or it can mean that the inflammation is actually due to Crohn's disease. 

Other complications can occur as well, but generally these are rare.