Ileoanal anastomosis with J pouch: an alternative to permanent ileostomy in ulcerative colitis and familial polyposis.

Twenty-five patients with ulcerative colitis or familial polyposis were offered the continence preserving J pouch procedure as an alternative to permanent ileostomy. Of the 18 patients who had the new operation, 17 have returned to full employment with postoperative frequency of defecation averaging 4.6 (SD 2.1) per day. This is a formidable procedure requiring at least two operations and a considerable time commitment on behalf of the patient. The results for this small local series are similar to those obtained in specialist units overseas.