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Background: Restorative proctocolectomy with IPAA is an optimal surgical treatment for patients with familial adenomatous polyposis and therapy resistant ulcerative colitis, few data are available on long-term results in patients who have undergone this operation at a young age., Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate long-term functional outcome, quality of life, body image, and sexual function after restorative proctocolectomy with IPAA in young patients with familial adenomatous polyposis or ulcerative colitis., Design, Settings, and Patients: The study consisted of a retrospective review of medical records and questionnaire follow-up of 26 consecutive patients with familial adenomatous polyposis or ulcerative colitis who had undergone surgery between January 1992 and October 2008 at the Maastricht University Medical Center, were aged 10 to 24 years at the time of surgery, and had at least 1 year of follow-up after surgery., Main Outcome Measures: We reviewed medical records from an institutional database regarding surgical procedures and short- and long-term complications. At the end of 2009, validated questionnaires covering bowel function (Colorectal Functional Outcome Questionnaire), quality of life (Short Form-36 and Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index), body image and cosmesis (Body Image Questionnaire), and sexual function (International Index of Erectile Function for men and Female Sexual Function Index for women) were mailed to patients., Results: Median age at surgery was 18 years, and median follow-up was 12.5 (range, 2-18) years. Long-term colorectal complications occurred in 23 patients (88%), and were directly related to the surgery in 20 patients (77%). Five patients needed pouch excision. The questionnaire response rate was 88%. Bowel function, quality-of-life, and body image and cosmesis scores were all lower in patients than in historical normal control populations. Men did not report impotence or retrograde ejaculation, but 50% of women reported sexual dysfunction., Limitations: This was a retrospective study in a small number of patients from a single institution with no comparison groups., Conclusions: Restorative proctocolectomy with IPAA can be performed in young patients with an acceptable functional outcome, but at the cost of relatively high complication rates, poor body image and cosmesis, and a high rate of sexual dysfunction in women. Because young patients undergoing this surgical procedure may experience negative long-term effects, surgeons should be aware of all potential consequences, inform patients as to what to expect, and ensure long-term follow-up to deal with long-term complications.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of postoperative complications and the presence of a stoma on long-term quality of life in patients with rectal cancer., Methods: Consecutive patients with an adenocarcinoma of the rectum who underwent surgery at Maastricht University Medical Center or VieCuri Medical Center between 2003 and 2005 were included in this study. Data on surgical treatment and complications were collected. Severe postoperative complications were classified according to a standardized complication severity score. Quality of life was assessed by use of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer core and colorectal cancer-specific quality-of-life questionnaires., Results: One hundred seventy patients received a questionnaire, and 121 (71%) responded. Of the responders, 33 (27.3%) patients suffered from severe postoperative complications. The median follow-up was 36 months. In the univariate analysis, patients with severe postoperative complications had a lower score on physical functioning (73 vs. 85, P = 0.031) and higher scores on pain (17 vs. 0, P = 0.025) and fatigue (33 vs. 22, P = 0.036). Stoma construction (n = 51) was associated with a higher global health status (83 vs. 75, P = 0.019), and these patients reported fewer gastrointestinal problems (P = 0.001)., Conclusion: Severe postoperative complications seem to be associated with several lower quality-of-life subscores over the long term. In contrast, a stoma is associated with improved global health status and leads to fewer gastrointestinal complaints. In patients prone to complications, it may be sensible to avoid creating a low anastomosis and to construct a permanent stoma immediately.