Colectomy in pediatric ulcerative colitis: A single center experience of indications, outcomes, and complications

Background/PurposeThere is a paucity of data on outcomes and complications of colectomy for pediatric ulcerative colitis (UC). This study reports the experience of a regional center for 18 years.MethodsPatients were identified from a prospective database and data obtained by note review. Median height/weight-SDS were calculated preoperatively and postoperatively. Data are expressed as median values (range).Results220 patients with UC (diagnosed < 17 years) were identified, and 19 (9%) had undergone colectomy. Age at diagnosis was 11.6 years (1.3–16.5), and 42% of patients were male. Time from diagnosis to surgery was 2.2 years (0.1–13.1). All patients had failed maximal medical therapy. Fifteen patients had urgent scheduled operation, and 4 had emergency procedures, with 2 for (11%) acute-severe colitis (1 Clostridium difficile colitis) and 2 for acute-severe colitis with toxic dilatation. All initial procedures were subtotal-colectomy with ileostomy. Nine patients (47%) had early complications (during initial admission), 7 (37%) requiring reoperation. Six (32%) had late complications, with 5 requiring laparotomy. No patients had both early and late complications. Height-SDS was − 0.27 before surgery and − 0.23 (maximal follow-up). Weight-SDS was 0.32 and 0.05 (maximal follow-up).ConclusionApproximately 1/11 children with UC required colectomy during childhood. Half of patients had acute complications, and 1/3 of patients required another operation during their first admission. 1/3 of patients developed late complications.