Red Lion Group

The Red Lion Group (RLG) is a support group founded in 1994 by a group of patients and staff at St. Mark’s Hospital in London for people who have had or are considering J Pouch Surgery – also known as ileal pouch-anal pouch anastomosis (IPAA), the ileo-anal pouch or a restorative proctocolectomy. The pouch is commonly referred to as a “Parks pouch” (after Sir Alan Parks) or “internal pouch“, and also a “J-pouch“, “W-pouch” or “S-pouch” depending on the configuration.

RLG provides a friendly and informed forum for the sharing of ideas, concerns, tips, experiences and information to support pouchees, potential pouchees and their friends and family.

St. Mark’s Hospital is one of the leading hospitals in the world for research into and the treatment of bowel conditions. The original procedure was pioneered by Sir Alan Parks at St. Mark’s Hospital in the mid-to-late 1970s and the work was continued by Professor John Nicholls who has probably performed more pouch operations than anybody worldwide.

However, the Red Lion Group is not just for St. Mark’s Hospital patients. Membership is open to anybody that has had or is considering J Pouch surgery.

Red Lion Group is a small charity run entirely by volunteers. Surplus funds are donated to the St. Mark’s Hospital Foundation which helps fund the innovative research projects undertaken at St Mark’s Hospital.