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IPAA & Ulcerative Colitis

Patients that suffer from severe ulcerative colitis may benefit from the ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPPA) procedure. It is a complex two-part surgery that can be done in lieu of or to redirect a proctocolectomy. Instead of having a permanent stoma, an opening on the body for waste collection, the procedure enables patients to have regular bowel movements.

  1. IPAA For Ulcerative Colitis

    • In some cases, ulcerative colitis patients undergo a proctocolectomy, a procedure that involves removing the large intestine. As a result, patients no longer have control of their bowel movements, requiring a permanent stoma to be put in place. In the early 1980s, the IPAA was introduced as an alternative to the proctocolectomy. For the IPAA, patients still undergo the removal of their large instestine, but instead of the stoma they will have reconstructive surgery to create a new rectum.

    About The Procedure

    • IPAA requires two surgeries that occur a few months apart. During the first procedure, surgeons will remove the large intestine and construct a new rectum by folding over a portion of the small intestine. The new area, called the pouch, will become a storage area for stool. In a second surgery, surgeons will attach the pouch to the anus, allowing the patient to have control of his bowel movements.

    Eligibility

    • Typically, this procedure is reserved for patients who suffer from severe ulcerative colitis, or for patients that have ulcerative colitis along with an inherited risk of colon cancer. Doctors do not recommend the procedure for patients who have significant medical issues, or for patients who are over the age of 60.

    Advantages

    • Aside from treating ulcerative colitis, there are few other advantages for patients who are considering the IPAA procedure. By removing the large intestine, the chance of the patient developing colorectal cancer is greatly reduced. The procedure will also improve the patient's quality of life. Not only does the patient no longer have the ulcerative colitis symptoms, but he also avoids needing to have a stoma.

    Potential Complications

    • Some potential complications of the procedure include pelvic and wound infection and risk of intestinal obstruction or blockage. If bowel control is not satisfactory, some patients still may require a stoma. During the weeks following the surgery, all patients will experience an increase in the frequency of bowel moments.

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