Prolonged diversion after ileal pouch‐anal anastomosis: Is it safe to wait?

Abstract

Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) provides restoration of intestinal continuity following proctocolectomy. Anastomotic leak and pelvic sepsis can occur in up to 15% of patients with associated major long term effects including pouch failure [1,2]. The risk of symptomatic leak is decreased by formation of a proximal stoma and the procedure is typically performed with a diverting loop ileostomy (DLI). 3 Reversal of the ileostomy (DLI-R) is not without complications and the optimal timing of ileostomy reversal is