Data regarding safety and feasibility of re-do ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) for failed ileal pouch in children are limited. In this study, we compared the short- and long-term outcomes of re-do IPAA in pediatric and adult populations in a case-matched setting.

Between March 2007 and June 2017, pediatric patients undergoing a transabdominal re-do IPAA by single surgeon were reviewed and case matched with adult counterparts. Short- and long-term outcomes including complications, functional outcomes, and quality of life of the two groups were compared.

60 patients were included (pediatric, n = 30; adult, n = 30). Time between index IPAA and re-do IPAA was shorter in the pediatric group (30 ± 26 vs 86 ± 74 months, p = 0.001). In the pediatric population, the existing pouch was more commonly used to construct the re-do pouch (n = 19 vs n = 12, p = 0.07). There was a trend towards the presence of less postoperative complications in pediatric group (n = 13 vs n = 20, p = 0.07). There were no reoperations or mortality. Long-term pouch survival was comparable between two groups (p = 0.96). Six re-do IPAAs failed in the study period.

Re-do IPAA is safe and feasible in pediatric population with failed IPAA and can be performed with similar short- and long-term outcomes compared to adults in experienced hands.