Correlation between pouch function and sexual function in patients with IPAA

Abstract

Objective: Restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) is the treatment of choice for ulcerative colitis refractory to medical treatment and familial adenomatous polyposis. The objective of this study was to study the impact of postoperative pouch function on sexual function. Sexual function after IPAA surgery has also been compared to sexual function in the average Norwegian population. Material and methods: All patients having undergone IPAA from 2000 to June 2013 were identified from the hospital medical record files and sent validated questionnaires regarding their sexual function. Pouch function was scored according to Oresland score through a phone interview. Patients operated on or before June 2012 were asked to answer the same questionnaires twice with an interval of one year to see how stable sexual function is over time. Results: Sixty-eight out of 100 consecutive patients answered the questionnaire regarding both sexual function and pouch function (44 men, 24 women). There was no significant relationship between pouch and sexual function in men (p-value 0.158, corr. coefficient – 0.216). In women there was a significant relationship (p-value - 0.01, corr. coefficient 0.517). There was no significant shift in sexual function during the study period. Conclusion: We found no significant correlation between sexual function and pouch function in men. In women, we found a significant correlation between poor pouch function and impaired sexual function. As similar studies have found, sexual function remains good after IPAA surgery. This is an important information for patients and physicians, both to inform patients correctly prior to surgery, and in the postoperative follow-up.