Aim There are conflicting reports regarding long term function after ileal pouch‐anal anastomosis (IPAA). The aim of the present prospective study was to investigate the influence of duration as an independent factor on long‐term function results.
Method Between 1984 and 2007, 315 patients underwent IPAA and were followed by a standardised interview and endoscopy protocol. There were 1802 interviews. Two hundred and thirty‐five patients had three or more visits and these data were analysed by Time‐Series‐Cross‐Section multivariate regression analysis. The mean time follow up was 12 years and the mean interval between visits was 34.5 months.
Results Mean frequency of defecation was 5.2 in the day and 0.55 at night. This did not change with time. Daytime and night incontinence occurred in 13% and 21%. There was no change in incontinence, urgency, soiling or perineal excoriation with time. After 24 years the cumulative incidence of pouchitis was 43.5%. Twenty patients had chronic pouchitis (6.3%).
Conclusion The interval from IPAA did not influence the long‐term functional outcome.