Psychosocial factors associated with j-pouch surgery for patients with IBD: a scoping review

BackgroundUlcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are subtypes of inflammatory bowel disease: a chronic condition of unclear etiology characterized by inflammation of the small and large intestine. Inflammatory bowel disease is managed with diet, medications, and surgeries, with the most common surgery, recommended to ulcerative colitis patients being j-pouch surgery.PurposeTo assess the current literature concerning psychosocial factors associated with j-pouch surgery for patients with inflammatory bowel disease.MethodsA systematic scoping review of the empirical and grey literature was conducted for original research on j-pouch surgery and psychosocial variables. Eight databases were searched: Medline, PsychInfo, CINAHL, EBM Reviews, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global, ResearchGate, Prospero, and PrePubMed.ResultsThirty-nine articles were identified. Many studies (n = 18) adopted a case-series design, and none examined psychosocial interventions. The most popular psychosocial variables assessed were quality of life (n = 34) and those associated with sexual health and functioning (n = 9).ConclusionsDespite being an established surgical procedure, little research has examined the psychosocial implications of j-pouch surgery. As such, clinicians lack a robust understanding of how this procedure affects patients' psychiatric and social status and adaptive abilities. There is a need for high-quality research utilizing validated measures and rigorous design methodologies with control populations.