Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis operation in children versus adults.

Background and aims: To evaluate early results of elective ileal pouch-anal operations in children under the age of fifteen as compared to adult patients operated during the same period by the same surgical team.

Material and methods: Eighty-two patients with ulcerative colitis underwent restorative proctocolectomy during a six-year period, 1991-1996. Twelve of them (16%) were under the age of 15 years. Peroperative and short term postoperative morbidity were compared between the two groups.

Results: Covering loop ileostomy was performed on one patient in the juvenile group and 5 (7%) in the adult group. There were no significant differences in postoperative complications between the two groups. Eight (11%) leakages occurred in the adult group as compared to none in the juveniles. The children had a higher incidence of unexplained postoperative fever (50% versus 21%). Seven adults (10%) but no children underwent re-operation for these early complications.

Conclusions: It would appear that a team of experienced gastroenterologic surgeons can operate children as well as adults for ulcerative colitis with comparable early results without additional morbidity.