[How does the ileoanal pouch keep its promises? : Functioning of the ileoanal pouch after restorative proctocolectomy]

Restorative proctocolectomy with an ileoanal pouch anastomosis (IAPA) is the surgical therapy of choice for patients with refractory ulcerative colitis and/or associated (pre)neoplastic lesions. It is predominantly performed laparoscopically. Reconstruction with a J‑pouch is the most frequently applied variant due to the ideal combination of technical simplicity and good long-term results. In the present review, potential postoperative pouch complications, their risk factors, diagnostics and surgical management, as well as mid-term and long-term quality of life after pouch construction are differentially presented based on the current literature.