LONG-TERM RESULTS OF THE ILEONAL POUCH PROCEDURE

Many surgeons consider the ileoanal pouch procedure to be the procedur e of choice for patients who require surgery for ulcerative colitis an d familial adenomatous polyposis. To determine long-term results, 460 patients (mean+/-SD age, 31+/-9 years) who underwent the ileoanal pouc h procedure from 1980 through 1991 were prospectively observed by comp uterized registry. The leading indication for operation was ulcerative colitis (n=382; 83%). A J-shaped reservoir was created in 434 patient s (94%). More than 5 years after ileostomy closure, the mean number of bowel movements was 5.8+/-2.2, and 13% of patients had leakage. Most patients (94%) were satisfied with their results. Sixteen patients (3. 5%) required recreation of a permanent stoma for pouch failure. Compli cations (major and minor) occurred in 266 patients (58%) and included obstruction (n=94; 20%), pouch fistula (n=26; 6%), anastomotic strictu re (n=40; 9%), anastomosis separation (n=14; 3%), and pouchitis (n=83; 18%). Modifications in technique and increased operative experience h ave significantly decreased the incidence of obstruction (P=.05) and p ouch-related complications (P=.004). Despite complications, long-term results are acceptable, and patient satisfaction remains high.