Rochester General Hospital
Parks Procedure
Who Can Benefit from this Procedure?
The Parks Procedure is an option primarily for people affected with two colorectal disorders: ulcerative colitis and familial polyposis.
Ulcerative colitis is a condition of inflamed lining of the large intestine causing abdominal pain, mucous discharge, rectal bleeding, urgency and diarrhea. After ten years, the affected person has a higher chance of developing colon cancer. Surgical intervention can restore general health, regain control over bowel function, eliminate the need for potentially harmful medications, allow a more normal diet and eliminate the increased risk of cancer.
Familial polyposis is an inherited disorder in which hundreds of polyps (precancerous tumors) grow on the lining of the colon and rectum. These polyps will develop into cancer unless removed surgically.
Very rarely, the Parks Procedure is offered to people suffering from severe motility disorders of the colon and rectum. Despite years of trying simpler solutions such as laxatives and medication, these people have remarkably severe constipation due to the absence of large intestine muscle function which cannot be explained.
During the Parks Procedure, a reservoir (pouch) is constructed from the ileum (end of small intestine), positioned in the pelvis,and then connected to the carefully preserved anal muscles. the pelvic ileal reservoir is a substitute for the rectum which aids in storing stool until it can be evacuated.
The following elements are necessary to achieve the best results from this surgery:
- Well informed patient, highly motivated to avoid a permanent ileostomy.
- Good anal sphincter function.
- Commitment to sacrifice the time and resources to the reconstructive process.
- Willingness to cooperate with and be a member of the health care team.
Patients for whom the Parks Procedure is not considered appropriate (contraindicated) include:
- Those with serious health problems in addition to bowel disease (e.g. heart disease, etc.).
- Severe mental health problems.
- Crohn’s disease (whose disease may inflame the ileal reservoir or anal area).
- Development of certain stages of colorectal cancer or other tumors.
A booklet describing the "Modified Parks Procedure" is available.
Details for ordering or read it on-line here.
