Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for ulcerative colitis and familial adenomatous polyposis: historical development and current status.

In summary, the history and development of the proctocolectomy and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis has involved innovative animal and clinical research by several surgical investigators. This evolution followed the classic process of academic surgical progress: a clinical problem is identified; solutions are studied in the laboratory; and these solutions are applied back to the clinical situation with success. Dr. Sabiston's disappointment with clinical results in ulcerative colitis and familial polyposis patients led to laboratory experiments in which a new technique was shown safe in dogs. The further work of his collaborator Dr. Ravitch as well as that of Sir Alan Parks and Dr. Utsunoimya proved small-scale clinical application of the new technique. Finally, large-scale outcomes work by Dr. Fazio at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation and others has allowed further refinements to occur and has highlighted other areas to study. The work of these investigators and other has allowed lack of a permanent ostomy with satisfactory functional results in more than 95% of patients. Continued experience with these procedures has and will lead to further improvements in operative times, morbidity rates, and functional results. Although research in this area will continue, the evolution of this operation has allowed it to become the gold standard for the treatment of ulcerative colitis and familial adenomatous polyposis.