Soon after the introduction of ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) after colectomy for ulcerative colitis 35 years ago, Aarhus University Hospital began this advanced reconstructive surgical procedure with outstanding results. The continuous dedication of expert surgeons has maintained the quality of the surgical outcome. Recently, these procedures have successfully been changed from open surgery to minimally invasive interventions  using laparoscopic and robotic techniques . The research focus has mainly been on the reduced fertility in females after IPAA surgery Olsen KØ et al 1999 and on functional morbidity. Functional outcome and quality of life after restorative proctocolectomy has been evaluated in a nationwide study. Most patients with an IPAA report good functional results and a high degree of satisfaction Brandsborg S 2013. A scoring tool for pouch dysfunction has been developed and validated Brandsborg S 2013 b. Significant differences  between patients' and clinicians' perception of pouch dysfunction have been shown Brandsborg et al 2015. Fracture risk after IPAA has surprisingly been found significantly reduced compared to the general population Christensen AM 2014. Other late sequelae, such as urinary and sexual problems, following IPAA surgery is currently subjects of  further research. Recently, Tøttrup A et al 2012 found that 30-day mortality in Denmark after total colectomy in an emergency setting for ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease is substantial and associated with age, comorbidity and caseload.

Contacts:

Anders Tøttrup, Associate Professor, Consultant Surgeon, DMSci, andetoet@rm.dk
Søren Laurberg, Professor, Consultant Surgeon, DMSci, soerlaur@rm.dk
Søren Brandsborg, MD, PhD, soern.brandsborg@ki.au.dk
Charlotte Buchard, MD, PhD, Charlotte.Buchard.Noerager@vest.rm.dk
Anders Mark Christensen, PhD student, ander.mark@studmed.au.dk
Frederik Pachler, PhD student, faedpach@rm.dk
Niels Thomassen, MD, Consultant Surgeon, niethoma@rm.dk