Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis: pregnancy, delivery and pouch function.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the pregnancies, deliveries and functional results of patients who have undergone and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis.

DESIGN

A retrospective survey by questionnaire.

SETTING

The study was conducted at a university hospital.

SUBJECTS

Twelve women who had undergone an ileal pouch-anal anastomosis at the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Centre, Mount Sinai Hospital and who had subsequently become pregnant, were identified from the hospital records. A follow up questionnaire was completed by all subjects.

RESULTS

Twelve patients had 16 deliveries. There were 10 vaginal deliveries and 6 caesarian sections. There were no pouch-related complication during the 16 pregnancies and there were two postpartum complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Pregnancy is safe in women with an ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. Functional results are altered minimally. Vaginal delivery is safe and obstetric reasons should determine whether a caesarian section is performed.