The prevalence of dysplasia in the ileoanal pouch following restorative proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis with associated dysplasia

Aim A recent systematic review indicated that dysplasia present before restorative proctocolectomy is a predictor of subsequent dysplasia in the pouch. This prospective study was carried out to assess the prevalence of dysplasia in the ileal pouch in patients having RPC for ulcerative colitis with co‐existing dysplasia in the operation specimen. Method Eligible patients were invited for a surveillance endoscopy. The afferent and blind efferent ileal loop, ileoanal pouch and rectal cuff were examined by standard endoscopy using a dye‐spray technique with methylene blue. Mucosal abnormalities were biopsied and random biopsies were taken from the afferent and blind ileal loop, pouch and rectal cuff. Results Fourty‐four patients (25 male, mean 49 years) underwent pouch endoscopy at a mean interval from RPC of 8.6 years. Dysplasia was detected in two (4.5%) patients. In one, low‐grade dysplasia was found in the rectal cuff and in the other low‐grade dysplasia was detected in random biopsies from the pouch and the efferent ileal loop. Conclusion This prospective pouch‐endoscopy study detected dysplasia in < 5% of patients over nearly 10 years. The benefit of routine surveillance for dysplasia in the pouch is uncertain, as the significance of low‐grade dysplasia in the pouch is not clear.