A presentation by Orestis Argyrou, Research Fellow in IBD & Colorectal Surgery at St Mark’s Hospital & Academic Institute in which Orestis described his extensive research into quality of life, surgical outcomes and expectations of patients undergoing pouch surgery.

His research will include an analysis of the outcomes of some 2000+ surgeries over the last 15 years across 56 centres in Europe and the UK, which will potentially create a persuasive argument for a pouch registry to document every pouch operation and outcomes.

Also a greater understanding of pouch surgery outcomes versus other surgical options, a deeper understanding of the challenges facing pouchees in the workplace and a guide to employers to better accommodate pouchees in the workplace, and an understanding of how best to consent patients for surgery given the extensive coverage in social media (of variable accuracy and relevance).

Orestis was profuse in his gratitude to the Red Lion Group and IA (Ileostomy Association) pouch communities who have helped with this research.