Comprehensive pouch clinic concept for follow-up of patients after ileal pouch anal anastomosis: Report of 3 years' experience in a tertiary referral center

Background: We designed and evaluated a novel concept in enhancing postoperative care of patients following restorative proctocolectomy (RPC) for ulcerative colitis (UC) and determined the risk factors, incidence, and nature of RPC-associated complications in this population. Methods: The study cohort consisted of consecutive UC patients post-RPC attending a comprehensive pouch clinic run by a gastroenterologist and a colorectal surgeon in a tertiary care medical center (from January 2003 to December 2005). Data were collected on their medical history, physical examination, laboratory tests, pouch endoscopy and biopsies, and anonymous in-house patient satisfaction questionnaires mailed to the first 90 patients. Assessment was also done on data regarding risk factors, incidence, and nature of RPC-associated complications. Results: A total of 120 UC patients with a functioning pouch visited the clinic: mean age 37 years, range 13-75; 57 males; mean disease duration 11 years; mean follow-up 65 months. Of the 55 patients who responded to the questionnaire, 48 (87%) felt that the comprehensive clinic significantly improved the quality of their care. The major complications were pouchitis (52%), extraintestinal manifestations, pouch-related fistula, and mechanical dysfunction. The risk factors for the development of pouchitis were time since surgery, > 1-stage surgery, and reason for surgery (acute exacerbation/intractable disease more than dysplasia/cancer); the latter was the only independent risk factor. Conclusions: The pouch clinic concept significantly enhanced patient satisfaction. The most common RPC-associated complication was pouchitis. Risk factors for developing pouchitis were duration since operation, > 1-stage operation. and indication for surgery.