Quality of life and colorectal function in Crohn’s disease patients that underwent ileocecal resection during childhood

Psychosocial and functional outcomes after intestinal resection in pediatric Crohn’s disease (CD) are lacking. Therefore, we (I) assessed health-related quality of life (HRQOL), colorectal function, and satisfaction with surgery and (II) investigated their relationship with surgical outcomes, after ileocecal resection for CD. Crohn’s patients that underwent ileocecal resection during childhood were included. HRQOL and colorectal function were assessed using SF-36 and COREFO, respectively, and compared with reference values. Satisfaction was scored on a 5-point Likert scale. In total, 80 patients (50% male, median age 23.0 years) were included. Physical HRQOL was impaired (SF-36 [mean]: CD, 47 vs. general, 54; p < 0.001), while mental HRQOL was similar to that in the general population. Overall colorectal function was impaired (COREFO [mean]: CD, 12.6 vs. normal, 7.2; p < 0.001). Worse colorectal function was associated with increasing clinical disease activity and longer interval since resection. Majority of patients was satisfied with surgery (81% satisfied/very satisfied, 11% neither satisfied nor dissatisfied, 8% dissatisfied/very dissatisfied). Decreased satisfaction with surgery was associated with increased clinical disease activity but not related to colorectal function. Conclusions: Physical HRQOL and colorectal function in CD patients who underwent ileocecal resection during childhood seem impaired and related to adverse surgical outcomes. This emphasizes the need for post-operative monitoring and prophylactic therapies.