Restorative proctocolectomy: Ochsner clinic experience

Background. Restorative proctocolectomy, a standard operation for ulcerativ e colitis and familial adenomatous polyposis has significant complications, even in experienced hands. Methods, We studied surgical outcome by retrospectively reviewing cases of restorative proctocolectomy done at Ochsner Foundation Hospital from 1982 t o 1995. Demographic and clinical data from two periods (1982 to 1989 and 19 89 to 1995) were compared to determine factors associated with improved out come. Results. We performed 145 ileal pouch-anal procedures. In 56 patients, 104 complications occurred. The more recent group had a greater incidence of in flammatory bowel disease, steroid use, and staged operations; reduced opera tive times and hospital stays; more general but fewer pouch-related complic ations. Pouch failures were similar for both groups. Conclusions. Perioperative outcome appeared to be associated with technical experience, improved perioperative care, exclusion of patients with Crohn' s disease,judicious surgical reoperation for pouch complications, and use o f a 3-stage procedure in malnourished patients or those with acute or toxic colitis.