Long-term adjustment to living with an ileal pouch-anal anastomosis.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to describe long-term adjustment to life with an ileal pouch-anal anastomosis after surgery for ulcerative colitis, to investigate the relationship of pouch function to adjustment, and to explore factors affecting quality of life.

Methods: A total of 369 patients treated between 1982 and 1993 were included in the study. Questionnaires designed to assess bowel (pouch) function (Öresland score) and disease-specific adjustment (Swedish version of the Ostomy Adjustment Scale), plus open-ended questions regarding quality of life, were sent by mail.