Recommended follow-up for ileo-anal pouch patient

One of the greatest advances in colorectal surgery over the past 30-years has been the development of restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for patients suffering with ulcerative colitis and selected patients with familial adenomatous polyposis. This has coincided with a proliferation of new and exciting advanced clinical roles for nurses in the United Kingdom and subsequently has led to an increase in the responsibilities and professional status of nurses. Staff development is necessary to maintain the unique contribution that nurses make to health care in the terms of practice, education and research. Nurse specialists in gastroenterology are taking their place alongside medical specialists, and more importantly establishing themselves as the principle carer in many diverse roles. However, as these nursing roles expand, a recognized framework needs to be designed, which takes into account the educational, ethical and legal issues related to accountability of running nurse-led clinics, offering support, advice and follow-up for patients. This article provides nursing staff with research-based recommendations and practical guidance on running a successful nurse-led pouch clinic and follow-up service in collaboration with the consultant surgeon, gastroenterology teams and nursing staff involved specifically with the ileo-anal pouch patient.