What is ileoanal anastomosis?

This surgery is done to treat ulcerative colitis. The doctor removes all of the large intestine (colon) and the diseased lining of the rectum. This surgery is also called an ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA).

In an ileoanal procedure, the lining of the rectum is removed, and the lower end of the small intestine (the ileum) is attached to the opening of the anus. The surgeon makes a pouch from the ileum to hold fecal material (stool). The lower end of the pouch is attached to the anus. The muscles around the rectum are left in place. This allows for fairly normal bowel movements.

The ileoanal procedure cures ulcerative colitis by removing all the tissue that the disease could return to.

This is the most common surgery for ulcerative colitis. It can cure it.

Your doctor might recommend a different surgery if you already have problems controlling your bowel movements or if you are very sick.

This surgery is usually successful. Most people have no problems after surgery. And most people say their quality of life is better after surgery. It is normal to have five to six bowel movements a day after this surgery.