Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for ulcerative colitis: long-term outcomes and trends over time in a low-volume institution

Background Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) can restore bowel continuity for patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) who have needed total colectomy with end ileostomy. Internationally, this surgery is recommended for centralisation focussing reflection on Irish outcomes. Methods Retrospective study examining patient outcomes after IPAA in our institution over a 15-year period using data from inflammatory bowel disease database, HIPE codes and clinical charts review between January 2002 and January 2018. Cohorts were analysed overall and in 5-year cohorts as well as by access modality of pouch operation. Contextualising Irish data were identified from published literature review. Results Thirty-four patients (average age 34.8, 21/64% male) had IPAA for UC locally with 64-month mean follow-up. Overall laparoscopic procedure rate was 39.4% (85% 2013–17) being associated with lower lengths of stay (10.6 ± 8 vs 12.7 ± 6.5 days open access). The mean total duration of ileostomy was 27.3 ± 22.5 months, being longest most recently and with an open index procedure. Overall pouchitis affected 53% ( n = 18) with rates at 1, 5, 10 and 15 years being 17.6%, 38.2, 50.0% and 52.9%, respectively. Pouch failure rates at 1, 5 and 10 years were 2.9%, 11.8% and 17.6%. Outcomes were similar with other centres publishing from Ireland although none met modern criteria for high-volume practice. Conclusions Overall outcomes and practice in this study are consistent with previously published studies on IPAA nationally and internationally. While acceptable, the opportunity from surgical centre collaboration outside of the National Cancer and Acute Surgery Strategies is to offer still better outcomes for our patients.