FERTILITY AND SEXUAL AND GYNECOLOGIC FUNCTION AFTER ILEAL POUCH-ANAL ANASTOMOSIS

PURPOSE: This study was designed to determine the incidence of inferti lity, gynecologic problems, and sexual dysfunction after ileal pouch-a nal anastomosis (IPAA). METHODS: A questionnaire was sent to 206 femal es who underwent pouch surgery at a single institution from 1980 throu gh 1991. Response rate was 53 percent (110/206). The computerized regi stry of the 206 females undergoing IPAA at this institution was review ed to add additional data. RESULTS: Mean age at pouch construction was 32 (range, 14-61) years. Mean time from pouch surgery to survey was 4 9 (range, 1-132) months. Fifty-seven females had 119 children before p ouch surgery, and 23 children were born to 19 females after IPAA (5 va ginal deliveries, 18 Cesarean sections). Eighteen females experienced infertility after IPAA. Thirty patients had persistent dyspareunia. Pe lvic cysts developed in 15 patients; 11 patients required surgery. CON CLUSIONS: Although childbirth appears safe, gynecologic problems, such as dyspareunia and formation of pelvic cysts, may be underestimated a fter IPAA. The effects of IPAA on fertility are still unknown.