Ileal-pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) has become the standard of care for surgical management of patients with chronic ulcerative colitis (CUC). The procedure has gained popularity because of its excellent long-term functional results and an acceptable morbidity rate.<sup>35 Meagher A.P., Farouk R., Dozois R.R. , e al. J ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for chronic ulcerative colitis: Complications and long-term outcome in 1310 patients Br J Surg 1998 ;  85 : 800  [cross-ref]

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti</sup> The most common long-term complication after IPAA is inflammation of the pouch, referred to as pouchitis. Inflammation of the reservoir was reported in Kock's continent ileostomy<sup>26 Kock N.G., Darle N., Hulten L. , e al. Ileostomy Curr Probl Surg 1977 ;  14 : 1  [cross-ref]

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti</sup> before IPAA was introduced, but it still is a poorly understood entity. This article discusses the incidence, cause, and pathogenesis of pouchitis as well as the risk factors, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and medical strategies that currently are used to prevent surgical removal of the pouch.