IPAA in Known Preoperative Crohn's Disease: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Crohn's disease is a relative contraindication to IPAA due to perceived increased rates of pouch failure. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine pouch functional outcomes and failure rates in patients with a known preoperative diagnosis of Crohn's disease. DATA SOURCES: A database search was performed in Ovid Medline In-Process & Other NonIndexed Citations, Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, Ovid Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Ovid Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. STUDY SELECTION: The published human studies that reported short-term postoperative outcomes and/or long-term outcomes following IPAA in adult (≥18 years of age) Crohn's disease populations were selected. INTERVENTION: Ileal pouch anal anastomoses were constructed in patients who had Crohn's disease diagnosed preoperatively or through proctocolectomy pathology. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES: The primary outcomes measured were long-term functional outcomes (to maximal date of follow-up) and the pouch failure rate. RESULTS: Of 7019 records reviewed, 6 full articles were included in the analysis. Rates of pelvic sepsis, small-bowel obstruction, pouchitis, anal stricture, and chronic sinus tract were 13%, 3%, 31%, 18%, and 28%. Rates of incontinence, urgency, pad usage in the day, pad usage at night, and need for antidiarrheals were 24%, 21%, 19%, 20%, and 28%, and mean 24-hour stool frequency was 6.3 bowel movements at a mean 69 months of follow-up. The overall pouch failure rate was 15%; no risk factors for pouch failure were identified. LIMITATIONS: This investigation was limited by the small number of studies with significant study heterogeneity. CONCLUSION: In patients with known preoperative Crohn's disease, IPAA construction is feasible with functional outcomes equivalent to patients with ulcerative colitis, but, even in highly selected patients with Crohn's disease, pouch failure rates remain higher than in patients with ulcerative colitis.

Sexual function after proctectomy in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: A prospective study.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) show a multifactorial impact on patients' quality of life, including sexual function (SF). The need for surgical intervention remains high, whereas proctectomy is frequently required in these patients. We tried to evaluate the impact of pelvic dissection during proctectomy in IBD patients' SF. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective study, examining the pre- and postoperative (at 6 months) SF of 57 IBD patients that underwent proctectomy in our surgical department, in the period between 2010 and 2016. The 5-item International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) and the Female Sexual Function Index were our research tools for men and women, respectively. We tried to evaluate the impact of gender, age, type of the disease, and surgical procedure on postoperative outcome. RESULTS: Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) was offered to 45 patients, whereas 12 patients underwent total proctocolectomy with permanent end ileostomy (TPC). Men showed a non-significant improvement in median IIEF-5 score after proctectomy (22.0 vs 23.0, p=0.152). The majority of men had no erectile dysfunction either before (56.4%) or after (51.3%) surgery (p=0.599). Changes remained insignificant for subgroup analysis according to age, disease and surgical procedure. Female patients had also a non-significant improvement in overall median score (23.0 vs 24.1, p=0.856). Women's score remained below the cut-off value of 26.5 for almost every subgroup analyzed. CONCLUSIONS: Proctectomy did not affect SF of IBD patents six months after surgery. Female patients seem to face more frequently a poor SF compared to men.

The Implications of Pouch Physiology.

INTRODUCTION: Patients undergoing an IPAA experience a completely different physiology of defecation than when they had a rectum. The new "normal" is poorly appreciated and incompletely understood, and the lack of understanding has implications for pouch function. This technical note lays out the physiology of defecation with an ileal pouch and its implications for patients and surgeons. TECHNIQUE: An intestinal pouch acts as a reservoir because the united antegrade and retrograde peristaltic loops produce no evacuatory pressure. Defecation occurs by gravity. Efficient defecation results in fewer stools, but inefficient defecation may cause stool frequency, incontinence, obstruction, constipation, and pouch inflammation. The technical aspects of pouch construction that impact emptying include a long efferent limb of an S-pouch, any degree of twist in the pouch body, afferent limb syndrome, and anal stenosis. RESULTS: Constructing a pouch with no twists and with an open anus, maintaining liquid stool, and encouraging unhurried defecation can improve pouch function. CONCLUSIONS: Understanding pouch physiology is important in optimizing pouch function and maintaining patient expectations.

Anxiety, depression, and inflammation after restorative proctocolectomy.

PURPOSE: Anxiety and depression (A&D) are more common in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and in IBD patients who undergo proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA). Our aim was to test the hypothesis that chronic inflammatory conditions in IPAA are associated with increased incidence of A&D. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study at a single tertiary care referral center using a consented IBD and colon cancer natural history registry. Demographic and clinical factors, including surgical and psychiatric history, were abstracted. RESULTS: We compared A&D rate in three cohorts: (1) ulcerative proctocolitis with IPAA (UC) (n = 353), (2) Crohn's disease/indeterminate proctocolitis with IPAA (CDIC) (n = 49), and (3) familial adenomatous polyposis with IPAA (FAP) (n = 33). Forty-six CDIC patients (93.9%) demonstrated pouch-related inflammation, while 126 UC patients (35.7%) and 2 FAP patients (6.1%) developed pouchitis. CDIC had a higher rate of A&D co-diagnosis compared to UC and FAP (20.4 vs.12.7 vs.12.1% respectively; p < 0.05). UC patients with pouchitis also exhibited a higher rate of A&D than UC without pouchitis (19.8 vs.8.8%; p < 0.05). Multivariable analysis demonstrated that pre-operative corticosteroid use (OR = 4.46, CI = 1.34-14.87, p < 0.05), female gender (OR = 2.19, CI = 1.22-3.95, p < 0.01), tobacco use (OR = 2.92, CI = 1.57 = 5.41, p < 0.001), and pouch inflammation (OR = 2.37, CI = 1.28-4.39, p < 0.05) were each independently associated with A&D in these patients. CONCLUSIONS: Anxiety and depression were more common in patients experiencing inflammatory conditions of the pouch. UC without pouchitis and FAP patients demonstrated lower rates of A&D (that were comparable to the general population), implying that having an IPAA alone was not enough to increase risk for A&D. Factors independently associated with A&D in IPAA included an inflamed pouch, corticosteroid use, smoking, and female gender.

Case-Matched Comparison of Long-Term Functional and Quality of Life Outcomes Following Laparoscopic Versus Open Ileal Pouch-Anal Anastomosis.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) is associated with recovery benefits when compared with open IPAA. There is limited data on long-term quality of life and functional outcomes, which this study aimed to assess. METHODS: An IRB-approved, prospectively maintained database was queried to identify patients undergoing laparoscopic IPAA (L), case-matched with open IPAA (O) based on age ± 5 years, gender, body mass index (BMI) ± 5 kg/m2, diagnosis, date of surgery ± 3 years, stapled/handsewn anastomosis, omission of diverting loop ileostomy and length of follow-up ± 3 years. We assessed functional results, dietary, social, work, sexual restrictions and the Cleveland Clinic global quality of life score (CGQoL) at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 10 years postoperatively. Functional outcomes were assessed based on number of stools (day/night) and seepage protection use (day/night). Variables were evaluated with Kaplan-Meier survival curves, uni- and multivariable analyses. RESULTS: Out of 4595 IPAAs, 529 patients underwent L, of whom 404 patients were well matched 1:1 to an equivalent number of O based on all criteria. Median follow-ups were 2 (0.5-17.8) versus 2.4 (0.5-22.2) years in L versus O, respectively (p = 0.18). L was associated with significantly decreased number of stools at night and less frequent pad usage at 1 year, both during the day and at night. Functional outcomes became similar during further follow-up. L was also associated with improved overall CGQoL, and energy scores at 1 year postoperatively, and decreased social restrictions for 1-2 years. There were no significant differences in quality of health, dietary, work or sexual restrictions. Laparoscopy was not associated with increased risk of pouch failure (p = 0.07) or significantly different causes of pouch failure when compared to O. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic and open IPAA are associated with equivalent long-term functional outcomes, quality of life and pouch survival rates. Laparoscopic technique is associated with temporary benefits lasting 1 or 2 years.

Pouch Volvulus in Patients Having Undergone Restorative Proctocolectomy for Ulcerative Colitis: A Case Series.

BACKGROUND: Restorative proctocolectomy with IPAA improves quality of life in patients with medically refractory ulcerative colitis. Although bowel obstruction is common, pouch volvulus is rare and described only in case reports. Diagnosis can be challenging, resulting in delayed care and heightened morbidity. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to delineate the symptoms and successful management strategies used in patients with IPAA volvulus that result in pouch salvage. DESIGN: This study was a case series. SETTINGS: The study was conducted at a tertiary referral center for ulcerative colitis in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. PATIENTS: Patients included those with volvulus of the IPAA. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Over the study period (2010-2015), 6 patients were diagnosed with IPAA volvulus. The primary outcomes were symptom manifestation, diagnostic practices, and treatment of pouch volvulus. RESULTS: Six patients with ulcerative colitis were identified with pouch volvulus. The majority (n = 4) underwent a laparoscopic pouch creation and had early symptom manifestation after surgery. Complications preceding volvulus included pouch ulceration (n = 5) and pouchitis (n = 4). The most common presenting symptoms of volvulus were abdominal pain (n = 4) and obstipation (n = 4). Multiple imaging modalities were used, but volvulus was most frequently identified by CT scan. Management was primarily operative (n = 5), composed of excision of the pouch (n = 3), pouch-pexy (n = 1), and detorsion with defect closure (n = 1). Both operative and nonoperative treatment with endoscopic detorsion resulted in low morbidity and improved patient symptoms. LIMITATIONS: This single-institution study is limited by its retrospective design and small number of patients. CONCLUSIONS: IPAA volvulus is a rare and challenging cause of bowel obstruction in ulcerative colitis. Heralding signs and symptoms, such as pouch ulceration and acute obstipation, should initiate a workup for a twisting pouch. Diagnosis, which is multimodal, must occur early to avert necrosis and allow for preservation of a well-functioning pouch. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A561.

The functional outcome and factors influencing the quality of life after ileal pouch anal anastomosis in patients with ulcerative colitis.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the bowel function and quality of life (QOL) in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) after total proctocolectomy with ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA). METHODS: Two questionnaires ["Questionnaire sheet on the bowel function" and "Inflammatory bowel disease questionnaire (Japanese IBDQ)"] were sent to 121 patients with UC who underwent IPAA at Tohoku University Hospital. Seventy-nine patients (65%) participated in the study. RESULTS: The median number of daily bowel movements was 6.5, which significantly decreased with postoperative time (≤ 1, 1-5, 5-15 years) and increased with age (< 45, ≥ 45 years at colectomy). The ratio of patients who usually had bowel movements at night also significantly decreased with postoperative time and increased with age. The median total IBDQ score was 180. A multivariate analysis showed that "trip activity", "care about where the restroom is", and "bowel movements in the day" were significant independent risk factors for the daily life satisfaction score. CONCLUSIONS: The bowel function and QOL were acceptable in patients with UC after IPAA; however, patients with a short postoperative time or older age had a lower functional outcome than others.

The Informational Needs and Preferences of Patients Considering Surgery for Ulcerative Colitis: Results of a Qualitative Study.

Background: Patients considering surgery for ulcerative colitis (UC) face a difficult decision as surgery may or may not improve quality of life. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines for UC emphasize the importance of providing quality preoperative information to patients but note no quality studies for the desired content of this information. Our aim was to explore patient information preferences prior to undergoing surgery for ulcerative colitis. Methods: Semistructured interviews with patients who underwent an operation and patients who considered but declined an operation were conducted. Interviews explored informational preferences, with emphasis on preoperative information given, preoperative information desired but not received, and retrospective informational desires. Interviews were transcribed and coded using an inductive thematic analysis using NVivo software. Data saturation was assessed after 12 interviews, with interviews continuing until saturation was achieved. Ethical approval was gained prior to interviews commencing (16/NW/0639). Results: A total of 16 interviews were conducted before data saturation was achieved (male n = 7, female n = 9). Eight patients declined surgery, and 8 opted for subtotal colectomy with permanent end ileostomy (n = 5) or ileoanal pouch (n = 3). A total of 4 themes and 14 subthemes were identified. Three dominant subthemes of informational shortcomings emerged: "long-term effects of surgery," "practicalities of daily living," and "long-term support." Peer support was desired by patients but was infrequently supported by health care professionals. Conclusions: Current preoperative information does not address patient informational needs. Surgical consultations should be adapted to suit patient preferences. Clinical practice may need to be altered to ensure that patients are better supported following surgery.

Predictors of quality-of-life after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis in patients with ulcerative colitis.

OBJECTIVES: Predictors of the postoperative quality of life (QoL) following ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) have not been thoroughly investigated. This study was planned to assess the postoperative QoL following IPAA and to identify its predictors using the 15D instrument. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on IPAA-operated patients with ulcerative colitis in two Finnish tertiary hospitals during the period 1985-2014 (n = 485). Medical records were examined to collect data on baseline, operative and postoperative characteristics. Patients were surveyed using the 15D-instrument to assess their postoperative QoL. Linear regression analyses and receiver operating characteristic curve were applied to identify the predictors of postoperative QoL. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Of all patients, 61.5% experienced worse postoperative QoL, with significantly lower QoL level than that of an age and sex-standardized general population in 12 dimensions of the 15D-instrument, with the highest mean difference QoL scores calculated for excretion, sexual activity and sleeping dimensions. Older age and preoperative hypertension were the only significant predictors of lower overall QoL (p = .003 and p = .03, respectively). A preoperative age of ≥35 years was the most valid predictor of lower postoperative QoL (Sensitivity = 62.4% and Specificity = 49.6%, p = .04). In conclusion, postoperative QoL is generally low using the 15D-instrument after IPAA. Worse postoperative QoL is predicted after the age of 35.

Impact of Surgery on Relationship Quality in Patients With Ulcerative Colitis and Their Partners.

BACKGROUND: Although social support is important for quality of life in patients undergoing surgery for ulcerative colitis, the impact of surgery on patient relationships is not known. OBJECTIVE: We examined relationship parameters in patients with ulcerative colitis and their partners before and 6 months after surgery. DESIGN: This was a prospective cohort in which we performed an exploratory analysis. SETTINGS: Patients were enrolled from an academic medical center. PATIENTS: Surgical patients with ulcerative colitis and their partners were invited to participate. INTERVENTIONS: Patients underwent proctocolectomy in 1, 2, or 3 stages. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We measured quality of life and sexual function in patients, as well as relationship quality, empathy, and sexual satisfaction in patients and partners before and 6 months after surgery using validated questionnaires. RESULTS: The study sample consisted of 74 participants, including 37 patients (25 men and 12 women) and their opposite-sex partners. Quality of life improved significantly in male and female patients after surgery. Sexual function scores also improved after surgery in male and female patients; however, the changes reached statistical significance in male patients only. Sexual satisfaction scores improved significantly after surgery in female patients and their partners. There was little change in relationship quality or empathy after surgery, with the exception of slightly improved relationship quality reported by male partners. In general, patients and partners reported levels of relationship quality and empathy similar to normative populations. LIMITATIONS: This study included a small, highly selected sample. CONCLUSIONS: Male and female patients with ulcerative colitis have high-quality relationships that are not negatively affected by surgical treatment. Changes in sexual function do not necessarily coincide with changes in sexual satisfaction in this patient population. Future studies should evaluate the effect of high-quality relationships on surgical outcomes.

Psychological Factors in Irritable Pouch Syndrome and Other Pouch Disorders.

BACKGROUND: Restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis is the surgical treatment of choice for patients with medically refractory ulcerative colitis. Postsurgery, functional and inflammatory complications of the ileal pouch often occur. Our previous study demonstrated that irritable pouch syndrome (IPS) is associated with the use of antidepressants or anxiolytics, suggesting an influence of psychological factors on patients' symptoms. The aim of this study was to identify the specific psychological factors and coping strategies in patients with functional (IPS) and inflammatory (pouchitis, cuffitis, Crohn's disease of the pouch) pouch disorders. METHODS: Consecutive patients with functional pouch disorders (IPS), inflammatory pouch conditions, and asymptomatic ileal pouch-anal anastomosis patients were surveyed using validated measures of quality of life (the Cleveland Global Quality of Life [CGQL] and Irritable Bowel Syndrome-Quality of Life [IBS-QOL]), daily functional impairment (WSAS), coping mechanisms (brief COPE) and anxiety/depression (DASS-21). RESULTS: Of 243 patients surveyed, 157 (64.6%) completed the surveys, of whom 137 (56.4%) met inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. Sixty-one percent of respondents had pouch inflammation (pouchitis, N = 35; cuffitis, N = 14; and Crohn's disease of the pouch, N = 35), 20% had IPS (N = 27) and 19% (N = 26) had asymptomatic normal pouches. The age of participants ranged from 20 to 79 years with the mean ages of patients with normal pouches, IPS and inflammatory pouch conditions being 51.7 ± 12.5, 47.1 ± 15.0, 47.2 ± 15.1 years, respectively. Patients with IPS were more likely to be taking antidepressants, anxiolytics, or narcotics than the other groups (P < 0.04). Patients with IPS or inflammatory pouches had significantly poorer quality of life (CGQL, P < 0.001; IBS-QOL, P < 0.003) than those with asymptomatic pouches, with differences particularly in the areas of food avoidance, activity interference, and sexual difficulties. Those with IPS (median = 11; interquartile range [IQR]: 3-19) or inflammatory pouch conditions (median = 7; IQR: 3-18) had a greater impairment in the domains of daily functioning related to the pouch condition than those with normal pouches (median = 1.5; IQR: 0-6; P = 0.003). The mean depression symptom scores were significantly higher in the IPS group than in the normal pouch group (11.7 ± 9.7 versus 4.4 ± 6.2; P = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: IPS patients were more likely to have depressive symptoms and had a greater amount of impairment in daily functioning related to their pouch condition. Additionally, patients with functional pouch disorders are more likely to be concurrently treated with antidepressants, anxiolytic or narcotic agents than those with inflammatory pouches or normal pouches.

Quality of life, social impact and functional outcome following ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for ulcerative colitis and familial adenomatous polyposis.

This study aims to assess quality of life (QoL), functional outcome, and social impact following ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) for ulcerative colitis (UC) and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) since Indian data is limited. Data was collected prospectively from patients who underwent IPAA for UC or FAP from 2004 to 2013. QoL and functional outcome at 1, 3, and 5 years after surgery, return to work, and change of job (social impact) were documented. QoL was assessed using the validated Cleveland Global Quality of Life (CGQL) score, the normal score being 1.0. Twenty-five patients were analyzed. Mean CGQL scores before surgery and at 1, 3, and 5 years were 0.5, 0.63, 0.73, and 0.8, respectively. FAP patients had better scores at 3 and 5 years. Only 40 % returned to same job. Sixty-four percent returned to work within a year. The median number of bowel movements per 24 h was less for FAP patients at 3 and 5 years. UC patients on long-term steroids had poorer function at 3 years. Long-term QoL and functional outcomes following IPAA are acceptable. Initial deterioration in QoL, mainly in FAP and long-term adverse social impact in both groups should not be underestimated. UC patients on long-term steroids showed delayed improvement in pouch function.

Difference between patients' and clinicians' perception of pouch dysfunction and its impact on quality of life following restorative proctocolectomy.

AIM: The Pouch Dysfunction Score (PDS) is a five-item instrument that evaluates bowel function and quality of life following restorative proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis. The PDS includes items that have a significantly negative impact on quality of life from the patient's point of view. The study aimed to establish how pouch dysfunction is perceived by clinicians in relation to patients experience. METHOD: Fifty-eight leading clinicians in the field of inflammatory bowel disease were invited to complete two PDS-based exercises. In part 1, they received a list of the 12 bowel symptoms from which the PDS had been developed and were asked to identify and rank (in order of severity) the five they thought had the most significantly negative impact on quality of life. In part 2, they were given the list of symptoms perceived by patients to be most troublesome and were then required to enter a score that they thought was appropriate for each item according to the impact on quality of life. RESULTS: Forty-three clinicians responded, and each correctly identified one to three items selected by patients and included in the PDS. Severity of urgency was selected by 29 (67%) clinicians, and four (9%) rated it to be the most important. Incomplete emptying after defaecation was selected by 10 (23%). Frequency of defaecation and the use of anti-diarrhoeal medication were selected by 14 (33%) and three (7%) clinicians, respectively. Twenty-six (60%) did not include incomplete emptying and 25 (58%) did not include uncontrolled loss of stool in their selection. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that clinicians do not have a great understanding of the symptoms of pouch dysfunction that really matter to the patient.

Does intramesorectal excision for ulcerative colitis impact bowel and sexual function when compared with total mesorectal excision?

BACKGROUND: Proctectomy for ulcerative colitis (UC) can be performed via intramesorectal (IME) or total mesorectal excision (TME). METHODS: We compared patient-reported bowel and sexual function among IME versus TME UC patients (September 2000 to March 2011) using the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center Bowel Function scale, Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life, Fecal Incontinence Severity Index, Female Sexual Function Instrument, and International Index of Erectile Dysfunction surveys. RESULTS: Eighty-nine IME versus TME patients (35 ± 2 years, 57% male, 62% IME) had similar baseline characteristics, although IME patients had more open procedures (P ≤ .03). IME patients reported better fecal continence (P = .009) but similar fecal incontinence-related quality of life (P ≥ .44). For sexual function, there were no differences for either women (Female Sexual Function Instrument; P ≥ .20) or men (International Index of Erectile Dysfunction; P ≥ .22). CONCLUSIONS: IME appears to be associated with better fecal continence but no difference in overall bowel or sexual function compared with TME in patients with UC.

Sexual function and body image are similar after laparoscopy-assisted and open ileal pouch-anal anastomosis.

BACKGROUND: Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) is performed in patients with ulcerative colitis and familial adenomatous polyposis where the majority of patients are sexually active. Laparoscopic surgery is becoming the preferred technique for most colorectal interventions, and we examined postoperative sexual function and body image compared to those after open surgery IPAA. METHODS: Patients treated with IPAA in the period from October 2008 to March 2012 were included. Evaluation of sexual function, body image, and quality of life was performed using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), the Body Image Questionnaire (BIQ), and the Short Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (SIBDQ). RESULTS: We included 72 patients (38 laparoscopy-assisted and 34 open). Response rate was 74 %. There were no differences in demographics, functional outcome, quality of life (SIBDQ score: 53 vs. 53), or time of follow-up (637 vs. 803 days). All women and men showed scores above the cutoff line of normal sexual function. There was no significant difference in sexual function between the laparoscopic and open groups. We found no differences in BIQ between open and laparoscopic IPAA; however, there was a tendency toward lower postoperative self-esteem among women compared to men (p = 0.07). We also found a tendency toward a better body image among laparoscopy-treated women compared to open-treated women (p = 0.07). CONCLUSIONS: Although there might be a tendency toward better body image among laparoscopy-treated women, the two surgical techniques seem equal with respect to postoperative sexual function.

Restorative proctocolectomy in patients with ulcerative colitis: a cross-sectional Danish population study on function and quality of life.

AIM: The study evaluated function and quality of life (QoL) in all patients having restorative proctocolectomy (RPC) in Denmark for ulcerative colitis (UC) from 1980 to 2010. Inclusion of all patients in one country has never previously been achieved. METHOD: All patients who had had a RPC in Denmark, from the first case in 1980 to the last case in 2010, were studied. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was performed, and function and QoL were assessed using a standardized questionnaire - the Short-Form 36 (SF36) - and the inflammatory bowel disease questionnaire (IBDQ). RESULTS: The median duration of follow up was 11 (range, 1-30) years. Apart from deaths, pouch failures and research protection, data on function and QoL were obtained from 1047 (85%) of 1229 patients who had a functioning pouch at the time of the investigation. More female patients than male patients experienced urgency (56% vs 44%, P = 0.0021). The median number of bowel movements per 24 h was 7 (range, 1-23) in female patients and 6 (range, 1-20) in male patients (P < 0.001). Pad usage was more frequent among female patients than among male patients (62% vs 38%, P < 0.001). A higher incidence of major incontinence (P = 0.009) and use of pads (P = 0.01) was found among patients who had been operated on 21-30 years previously compared with those operated on 11-20 years previously. The prevalence of urgency was higher in patients who received surgery 0-10 years previously compared with 11-20 years previously (P = 0.009). The total IBDQ score was higher in male patients than in female patients (P < 0.001). Male patients scored higher in five of eight SF36 domains (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Female patients had more urgency, a higher frequency of defaecation and higher pad usage. This was associated with a reduced QoL. Nevertheless, RPC resulted in good function and a high degree of satisfaction in most patients.

Long-term quality of life after ileal pouch anal restorative proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis.

Restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) has evolved as the surgical procedure of choice for ulcerative colitis (UC). The aim of our study was to evaluate the quality of life (QOL) of UC patients who underwent this procedure over 5 years ago. Thirty-nine UC patients who underwent restorative proctocolectomy with IPAA were interviewed by the validated inflammatory bowel disease questionnaire (IBDQ). Each patient was assigned a score, ranging from 32 to 224, in which the highest score indicates the best QOL. QOL for postoperative patients was good in 15 (38.5 %), regular in 23 (59 %), and bad in 1 (2.6 %) patient. QOL was not significantly influenced by age or gender of the patient. The emotional aspect received the highest score in the IBDQ and for each question that was analyzed separately; most of the patients were pleased and thankful with their lives and this question received the highest score. Long-term QOL was good in UC patients who underwent IPAA. This operation should be considered as the first choice since the patients were stable after long-term follow up.

Quality of life after ileo-anal pouch formation: patient perceptions.

This article describes a qualitative study, exploring the experiences of six individuals who have undergone an ileo-anal pouch formation and their subsequent lifestyle after this reconstructive surgical procedure. The aim of this study was to ascertain whether individuals who had an ileo-anal pouch believed themselves to have a good quality of life and a lifestyle that was not compromised as a result of surgery. The themes that emerged through the interviews were common to several participants and reflected their life, the decisions they were required to make and the resources available in order for them to do so. The outcome of this study, using a phenomenological approach, highlights that some individuals restrict their lifestyle, while others do not and are prepared to live with the consequences. The literature overwhelmingly concludes that the ileo-anal pouch procedure is a safe and efficient procedure with high patient satisfaction and good functional outcome, which should be recommended as a long-term option for ulcerative colitis and familial adenomatous polyposis sufferers. However, some patients curtail their lifestyle by restricting diet, altering meal patterns and minimising social activities to maintain day-to-day living with an ileo-anal pouch.