National Trends in Elective Ileal Pouch-Anal Anastomosis for Ulcerative Colitis

Abstract

Background: Recent national trends and distribution of ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) procedures for patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) are unknown. We examined the frequency of use of elective IPAA procedures among patients with UC and the distribution of IPAA procedures across more than 140 U.S. academic medical centers and their affiliates. Methods: Data were obtained from the University HealthSystem Consortium for patients with a primary diagnosis of UC admitted electively between 2012 and 2015. Results: The mean age of the study population (n=6,875) was 43 years and 57% were men. Among these, one-third (n=2,307) underwent an IPAA, while two-thirds (n=4,568) underwent colectomy, proctectomy, proctocolectomy or other procedures. The proportion of IPAA cases among all elective admissions was relatively stable at 33-35% during the years under study. A total of 131 hospitals, out of 279 hospitals participating in the UHC, performed IPAA. The median number of IPAA cases performed annually was 1.9 [IQR 0.8 – 4.3]. Nearly one half (48%) of these cases were performed by the top ten hospitals. Overall, only a total of 30 centers performed ³ five elective IPAA cases annually. Conclusions: Although the frequency of elective IPAA surgery in recent years has been stable, nearly one half of all IPAA cases was performed at ten hospitals. The concentration of IPAA cases at high-volume centers, and the steady number of cases performed annually, have potential implications for fellowship training, patient clinical outcomes and access to care.