Long-term functional outcome with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis

The ileal pouch-anal anastomosis has been a surgical option for approximately 15 years. The results of longer term follow-up of subjective patient experiences and physiological investigations are now becoming available. The most important outcomes (ie, stool frequency and continence) generally seem to improve over the first 2 years and particularly in the first 12 months; thereafter, function seems to plateau, but apparently does not deteriorate. Other functional outcome parameters also follow this pattern. In a subset of patients, the results approach, but are not identical to, normal bowel function; however, the vast majority of patients still remain satisfied with their outcome.