Ileal J Pouch Complications

Abstract

Ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) is the procedure of choice in maintaining intestinal continuity post-colonic resection in patients with Ulcerative Colitis (UC), Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) and Indeterminate Colitis (IC). The most commonly performed type of pouch reconstruction is the stapled J pouch, which has excellent long-term results, quality of life and function. With the advent of more effective biologic therapy for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and the centralisation of complex surgery, IPAA is performed in fewer centres but at higher volumes with expert multidisciplinary teams to manage complications. Therapy is continuously evolving and careful attention to planning, patient selection and addressing modifiable disease factors, will improve pouch retention with good functional outcomes and quality of life.