Risk factors for failure of ileal pouch-anal anastomosis in patients with refractory ulcerative colitis.

BACKGROUND: Proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis is the standard surgical procedure for ulcerative colitis refractory to medical treatment. In a few cases, ileal pouch-anal anastomosis cannot be completed due to intraoperative technical problems. The aim of this single-center study was to identify risk factors for a technically failed ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. METHODS: In total, 391 patients with ulcerative colitis who received ileal pouch-anal anastomosis were identified. Clinical and perioperative data from patients with successful ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA+) were compared to data from failed ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA-). Definition of failed ileal pouch-anal anastomosis was intraoperative failure to perform ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. Risk factors for failed ileal pouch-anal anastomosis were assessed by logistic regression. Cut-off values were calculated on the basis of receiver operating characteristic curves and the Youden Index. RESULTS: The rate of failed ileal pouch-anal anastomosis was 26 of 391 (6.6%). In 22 of 26 cases (84.6%), there was an insufficient length of the small intestinal mesentery. Patients with failed ileal pouch-anal anastomosis were more often male (80.8% vs 54.5%, P = .009), older (47.1 ± 14.1 vs 39.2 ± 12.8 years, P = .007), had a higher body mass index 27.2 ± 4.5 vs 23.7 ± 4.3 kg/m2, P < .001), and had extraintestinal manifestations more frequently (65.4% vs 26.3%, P < .001). Further risk factors for failed ileal pouch-anal anastomosis were hypertension and Cushing's syndrome. CONCLUSION: Technical failure of ileal pouch-anal anastomosis is elevated in patients with higher body mass index, with refractory ulcerative colitis, and/or extended immunosuppressive medication. Three-staged ileal pouch-anal anastomosis and optimizing preoperative conditions may help to elevate the rate of successful ileoanal pouch construction in these patients.