Outcome of early surgical complications following ileoanal pouch operation without diverting ileostomy

Background Many surgeons use a diverting ileostomy routinely following ileoanal pouch operation because they fear that complications may lead to permanent unsatisfactory pouch function or even death. We report the outcome of early surgical complications when ileoanal pouch operation is performed without a diverting ileostomy. We performed 74 consecutive ileoanal pouch operations since October 1989 using a transition-zone-sparing stapled J pouch method. Results Of the 74 patients, 68 (92%) underwent the operation without a diverting ileostomy. Five of the 68 patients (7.4%) required reoperation within 30 days of operation. Pouch excision was necessary in 2 patients (3%) for reasons not resulting from omitting the diverting ileostomy, and they now have excellent pouch function. Conclusion Patients who required early reoperation and placement of a temporary diverting ileostomy did not suffer long-term consequences. The fear that early surgical complications following ileoanal pouch operation without diverting ileostomy are permanently detrimental is unjustified.