The ileal pouch-anal anastomosis in challenging patients: stretching the limits.

Total proctocolectomy and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) is the best option in the surgical treatment of ulcerative colitis, and for some patients with familial polyposis. Contraindications to the procedure include old age, obesity, weak sphincters, perianal sepsis and previous enterectomy. In this study the results of IPAA in five patients with one or more of these contraindications are presented and ways of dealing with them are discussed. All patients had a favourable outcome showing that such contraindications are relative, and IPAA may be attempted as long as patients are fully informed and understand the risks to which they are subject.