Does Age Affect Surgical Outcomes After Ileal Pouch-Anal Anastomosis in Children?

Younger children are referred for surgical intervention in the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Outcome data in this population after a laparoscopic restorative proctocolectomy and Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (LRS-IPAA) are limited. We reviewed our experience to determine if younger children would have similar functional outcomes.

After institutional review board approval, a review of children with FAP and UC undergoing LRS-IPAA at a children's hospital from 2002 to 2017 occurred. The study groups were defined based on age: young group (YG; 5-12 y) and older group (OG; 13-18 y). Data points included demographics, postprocedure course, and outcomes. Statistical analysis was performed.

Sixty-five children were identified and grouped by age: YG (n = 22, average age 9 y) and OG (n = 43, average age 15.4 y). Thirteen children in YG had UC, and nine had FAP. Twenty-eight children in OG were diagnosed with UC, and 15 with FAP. After LRS-IPAA, continence, appetite recovery, and use of antidiarrheal medications were not significantly different between groups. The incidence of pouch stricture, diagnosis of pouchitis, and complications were also not significantly different. Two children (YG), aged 11 and 12 y at the time of colectomy, were initially diagnosed with UC and then reassigned as having Crohn's disease because of persistent symptoms. One child, who underwent colectomy at 17 y for FAP, had invasive rectal cancer and died 3 y later from metastatic disease. Time of follow-up for OG is 8-61 mo (average: 37 mo). Period of follow-up for YG is 11-73 mo (average: 43 mo).

There are no significant differences in the functional outcomes between groups after LRS-IPAA. Although numbers are small, these data suggest younger age should not be a deterrent when contemplating LRS-IPAA in the treatment of UC and FAP in the pediatric population. Younger patients with FAP may benefit from early intervention.