The correlation between quality of life and functional outcome in ulcerative colitis patients after proctocolectomy ileal pouch anal anastomosis.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to evaluate functional outcome and quality of life (QOL) in patients undergoing proctocolectomy ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA), to assess the correlation between functional outcome and QOL, and to identify factors influencing functional outcome and QOL in these patients.


BACKGROUND
IPAA is now considered the procedure of choice for ulcerative colitis. Functional outcome and QOL are important factors in evaluating operative outcome.


METHODS
All patients with UC who had undergone IPAA at our institute during the period 1990-2001 were included. QOL and functional outcome were evaluated by mailed questionnaires. QOL was scored using the Short Form 36 (SF-36). Global Assessment of Function Scale was used to evaluate functional outcome.


RESULTS
Data were obtained in 77 of 99 patients (78%), with the median age of 38 years. Median follow up time was 4.25 years. The QOL in patients after pelvic pouch procedure was excellent, with scores equal to published norms for the Israeli general population in most scales. Functional outcome and QOL scores correlated strongly (r > 0.5; P < 0.0001) in all dimensions. Older age was associated with lower scores in both functional outcome and QOL scales (P < 0.0001).


CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrates a strong association between functional outcome and QOL in patients after IPAA. These patients, however, have a QOL that is comparable with the general population. Age at time of surgery strongly influences both functional outcome and QOL. This finding has to be taken into consideration in pre-operative counseling.
Carmon
E
E
Proctology Unit, Department of Surgery B, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Centre, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, 6 Weizmann Street, Tel-Aviv 64239, Israel.
Keidar
A
A
Ravid
A
A
Goldman
G
G
Rabau
M
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001003:Anal Canal / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002648:Child; D003093:Colitis, Ulcerative / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D039021:Colonic Pouches / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D016737:Proctocolectomy, Restorative / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011788:Quality of Life; D020127:Recovery of Function / Q000502:physiology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D013997:Time Factors