Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 11, 2026

A Rat Model of Pouchitis Following Proctocolectomy and Ileal Pouch-Anal Anastomosis Using Dextran Sulfate Sodium
Published on: May 31, 2024
Pouch function and gastrointestinal complications during pregnancy after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis
Neil S Seligman1, Wingkan Sbar, Vincenzo Berghella
1Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA. neil.seligman@jefferson.edu
Objective:
To estimate the risk of gastrointestinal and pouch complications and alterations in pouch function related to pregnancy in women treated with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA).
Methods:
Pregnancies following IPAA were identified in our center, and in the literature through MEDLINE and PUBMED searches. The incidence of each complication was calculated. Pouch function was compared before and after pregnancy, by mode of delivery, and between women who became pregnant versus those that did not.
Results:
The incidence of complications in 283 pregnancies after IPAA was 12.7% including antepartum (2.8%) or postpartum (6.7%) small bowel obstruction, pouchitis (1.8%), and perianal abscess (0.4%). Stool frequency and incontinence were not significantly affected by pregnancy or mode of delivery.
Conclusion:
Pregnancy after IPAA is overall safe, associated with limited complications and no significant alteration in pouch function. Vaginal delivery appears as safe as cesarean section for most women.
Related Concept Videos
Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD:
Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology
Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Crohn's Disease
Inflammatory bowel disease, commonly known as IBD, refers to a collection of disorders that lead to persistent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The two types of IBD are ulcerative colitis, which impacts the colon, and Crohn's disease, which can involve any part of the gastrointestinal segment.
Crohn's disease
Crohn's disease is a chronic, systemic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that predominantly affects the gastrointestinal tract. It is marked by transmural...
Diverticular Disease of the Colon
Assessment of the Rectum and Anus
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...
