Provider Knowledge and Recommendations Regarding Ileoanal Pouch Surgery and Fertility in Women with Ulcerative Colitis

Construction of an ileal pouch–anal anastomosis, also known as a J-pouch, is the operation of choice for most cases of refractory ulcerative colitis (UC) and is associated with improved health-related quality of life and patient satisfaction.1 Despite these potential benefits, an increase in infertility by up to 3-fold is one potential surgical consequence of an open J-pouch procedure, likely owing to tubal occlusions and pelvic adhesion formation.2 Ensuring that female patients with refractory UC are provided with adequate information to make informed personal decisions about surgical options is of critical importance. Investigation of the specific recommendations made by health care providers concerning J-pouch surgery will allow for the identification of knowledge gaps and encourage an increase in collaboration and education amongst the various medical specialties engaged in care for female patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In this study, we aimed to assess health care providers’ general knowledge...