Restorative proctocolectomy in patients older than fifty years

This study was undertaken to compare functional results, complications, preoperative durations of disease, and rates of dysplasia and neoplasia between older and younger chronic ulcerative colitis patients undergoing restorative proctocolectomy (RPC) with mucosectomy.

A total of 392 patients with a preoperative diagnosis of chronic ulcerative colitis underwent elective RPC with mucosection and handsewn ileoanal anastomosis. Pathologic reports were reviewed, with specific reference to findings of dysplasia or cancer. Functional results concerning the number of bowel movements per 24 hour period and the incidence of fecal soilage were obtained by direct or telephone patient interview.

Group I consisted of 326 patients aged 5 to 49 (mean, 30.9) years and 160 women. Group II comprised 66 patients aged 50 to 74 (mean, 56.9) years and 29 women. Duration of disease was significantly longer in the older group (6.2 vs. 15.6 years; P < 0.001). The older group had significantly higher rates of dysplasia (29/326 vs. 19/66; P < 0.0001) and malignancy (14/326 vs. 9/66; P = 0.003). Rates of complication, hospital days following RPC, and total hospital days for all causes were comparable between groups. Perfect day-time continence was observed in 81.6 percent of Group I and 80 percent of Group II patients (213/261 vs. 40/50; P = 0.79). Perfect continence during sleep was observed in 65.1 percent of Group I and 62 percent of Group II patients (170/261 vs. 31/50; P = 0.67). Mean number of bowel movements per 24 hour period for Group I was 6.3 +/- 0.2 and for Group II was 7.4 +/- 0.5. Mean difference, one movement per 24 hours, was not significant (95 percent confidence interval, -0.02 to 2.1; t = 1.95, P = 0.055).

We conclude that patients older than 50 years are suitable candidates for RPC with mucosectomy. Functional results and complication rates are similar to those observed among younger patients. Patients older than 50 years have a significantly higher rate of concurrent dysplasia and malignant degeneration than younger patients, most probably because of a longer duration of disease. RPC with mucosal excision potentially lowers this risk by elimination of all colorectal mucosa.