Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis operation in children versus adults

Background and Aims: To evaluate early results of elective ileal pouch-anal operations in children under the age of fifteen as compared to adult patie nts operated during the same period by the same surgical team. Material and Methods: Eighty-two patients with ulcerative colitis underwent restorative proctocolectomy during a six-year period, 1991-1996. Twelve of them (16 %) were under the age of 15 years. Peroperative and short term po stoperative morbidity were compared between the two groups. Results: Covering loop ileostomy was performed on one patient in the juveni le group and 5 (7 %) in the adult group. There were no significant differen ces in postoperative complications between the two groups. Eight (11 %) lea kages occurred in the adult group as compared to none in the juveniles. The children had a higher incidence of unexplained postoperative fever (50 % v ersus 21 %). Seven adults (10 %) but no children underwent re-operation for these early complications. Conclusions: It would appear that a team of experienced gastroenterologic s urgeons can operate children as well as adults for ulcerative colitis with comparable early results without additional morbidity.