Working capacity and resting energy expenditure after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis

The aim was to evaluate the working capacity and resting energy expenditure in patients who had undergone restorative proctocolectomy.

Of 72 patients operated on between April 1990 to September 1998, 51 were eligible and 38 participated in the study. Resting energy was assessed by indirect calorimetry, and working capacity by ergospirometry on an exercise bicycle.

The median functional score was 2 (range 0-7). Oxygen uptake during rest was reduced for men compared with predicted values. The corresponding values for women were in keeping with predicted values. The median working capacity was 96 (range 59-102) per cent for women and 91 (range 51-113) per cent for men, compared with reference values of maximum workload based on age, height and sex. There was no correlation between functional score and any other variable measured.

Patients who have undergone restorative proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis have normal resting energy expenditure and working capacity.