Ileoanal pouch operation: long-term outcome with or without diverting ileostomy

Avoiding a diverting ileostomy does not influence the long-term overall morbidity and functional outcome of patients after ileoanal pouch operation (IAP).

All patients undergoing IAP were prospectively entered into a database, and those undergoing operation from October 1, 1989, through January 31, 1996, were contacted by mail questionnaire.

Tertiary referral center.

One hundred thirty unselected sequential patients.

The IAP was completed by a stapled method without diverting ileostomy, provided the patient agreed, and there were no other complicating factors.

Need for reoperation, fecal leakage, pouch frequency, ability to defer evacuation, pouchitis, and overall quality of life.

Of 102 patients (78.5%) who initially underwent IAP without diverting ileostomy, 10 (9.8%) developed an anastomotic leak and required a diverting ileostomy. Additional surgery was required in 12 (9.2%) of the 130 patients for bowel obstruction and in 3 (2.3%) for pouch excision. Two patients died of unrelated causes, leaving 125 functioning pouches (96.2%). Questionnaires were completed in 111 (88.8%) of the 125; 75 patients (67.6%) reported perfect continence for gas and stool, 10 patients (9.0%), regular nighttime leakage, and 24 patients (21.6%), occasional fecal leakage. Pouch evacuation frequency (+/-SD) per 24 hours was 7.8+/-2.4 (range, 4-12), and 95.5% of patients could defer pouch evacuation. Of the 111 patients, 42.3% reported pouchitis, with 7.2% receiving long-term antibiotic therapy. Of the patients, 74.8% reported total satisfaction, and 84.7% regarded themselves as being in perfect health.

Long-term outcome after IAP remains favorable with or without diverting ileostomy.