Patient information needs before and after ileo-anal pouch surgery

Abstract

Over the past 40 years, ileo-anal pouch surgery has become the operation of choice in the management of patients with ulcerative colitis requiring surgery. To identify the ongoing information needs of patients before and after this surgery, semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine people who have had an ileo-anal pouch formed as a consequence of ulcerative colitis. The transcribed interviews were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Three major themes were identified: ‘facing the unknown’, ‘forewarned is forearmed’ and ‘communicative support—the way forward’. The majority of participants expressed satisfaction with the information provided relating to the surgical procedure. However, less satisfaction was expressed with information relating to quality of life issues, such as sexual and dietary concerns after surgery. Health professionals need to provide individualised information that targets patients' unique needs and addresses their ongoing concerns that extend beyond the immediate post-surgical period.