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Aim: Surgical technique constantly evolves in response to the pressure of progress. Ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) is a good example. We analysed the effect of changes in practice on the technique of IPAA and its outcomes., Method: Patients undergoing primary IPAA at this institution were divided into three groups by date of the IPAA: those operated from 1983 to 1993, from 1994 to 2004 and from 2005 to 2015. Demographics, patient comorbidity, surgical techniques, postoperative outcomes, pouch function and quality of life were analysed., Results: In all, 4525 patients had a primary IPAA. With each decade, increasing numbers of surgeons were involved (decade I, 8; II, 16; III, 31), patients tended to be sicker (higher American Society of Anesthesiologists score) and three-staged pouches became more common. After an initial popularity of the S pouch, J pouches became dominant and a mucosectomy rate of 12% was standard. The laparoscopic technique blossomed in the last decade. 90-day postoperative morbidity by decade was 38.3% vs 50% vs 48% (P < 0.0001), but late morbidity decreased from 74.2% through 67.1% to 30% (P < 0.0001). Functional results improved, but quality of life scores did not. Pouch survival rate at 10 years was maintained (94% vs 95.2% vs 95.2%; P = 0.06)., Conclusion: IPAA is still evolving. Despite new generations of surgeons, a more accurate diagnosis, appropriate staging and the laparoscopic technique have made IPAA a safer, more effective and enduring operation., (Colorectal Disease © 2017 The Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland.)

Objective: The aim of the study was to compare value (outcomes/costs) of proctectomy in patients with rectal cancer by 3 approaches: open, laparoscopic, and robotic., Background: The role of minimally invasive proctectomy in rectal cancer is controversial. In the era of value-based medicine, costs must be considered along with outcomes., Methods: Primary rectal cancer patients undergoing curative intent proctectomy at our institution between 2010 and 2014 were included. Patients were grouped by approach [open surgery, laparoscopic surgery, and robotic surgery (RS)] on an intent-to-treat basis. Groups were compared by direct costs of hospitalization for the primary resection, 30-day readmissions, and ileostomy closure and for short-term outcomes., Results: A total of 488 patients were evaluated; 327 were men (67%), median age was 59 (27-93) years, and restorative procedures were performed in 333 (68.2%). Groups were similar in demographics, tumor characteristics, and treatment details. Significant outcome differences between groups were found in operative and anesthesia times (longer in the RS group), and in estimated blood loss, intraoperative transfusion, length of stay, and postoperative complications (all higher in the open surgery group). No significant differences were found in short-term oncologic outcomes. Direct cost of the hospitalization for primary resection and total direct cost (including readmission/ileostomy closure hospitalizations) were significantly greater in the RS group., Conclusions: The laparoscopic and open approaches to proctectomy in patients with rectal cancer provide similar value. If robotic proctectomy is to be widely applied in the future, the costs of the procedure must be reduced.

Objective: To evaluate the influence of preoperative dysplasia grade, appearance, and site on risk and location of cancer in patients with colitis., Background: The ability to predict the presence and location of cancer in colitis patients with dysplasia is essential to facilitate recommendations regarding the necessity and type of surgery., Methods: Ulcerative and indeterminate colitis patients who underwent proctocolectomy for dysplasia were retrospectively selected. Patient characteristics and findings at colonoscopic surveillance were associated with findings on the surgical specimen by regression analysis., Results: From 1984 to 2007, 348 proctocolectomy specimens with preoperative dysplasia showed cancer in 51 (15%) and dysplasia in 172 (49%) cases. Patients with preoperative high-grade dysplasia (HGD) had cancer in 29% compared with 3% in low-grade dysplasia (LGD) (P < 0.001). Patients with preoperative dysplasia-associated lesion/mass (DALM) had cancer in 25% compared with 8% in flat dysplasia (P < 0.001). In LGD with DALM, the risk of cancer was not significantly higher than in flat LGD (7% vs 2%, P = 0.3), but risk of cancer or HGD was higher with a threefold increase (29% vs 9%, P = 0.015). On multivariate analysis, HGD, DALM, and disease duration were independent risk factors for postoperative cancer. In patients with isolated colonic dysplasia above the sigmoid level, postoperative rectal involvement was limited., Conclusions: Risk of cancer for patients with HGD or DALM is substantial. Despite low risk of cancer in patients with flat LGD, threshold for surgery should be low given the high prevalence of postoperative pathologic findings. Only in selected cases, colonoscopic surveillance after discussion of associated risks may be acceptable, provided high patient compliance can be assured. Surgery should be considered in all other cases, because it is the only modality that can eliminate the risk of cancer. The location of preoperative dysplasia may allow for the clarification of the need for proctectomy especially in the poor risk surgical patient.

Background: A 1-cm distal clearance margin is recommended for mid/low rectal cancers., Objective: We evaluate whether shorter distal margins after restorative rectal resection affect oncologic outcomes for patients with a clear circumferential margin., Design: From a prospective cancer database, patients undergoing restorative proctectomy for mid/lower third rectal cancer from 1991 to 2006 with a distal margin of ≤ 1 cm (group A) were compared with those with >1-cm distal margin (group B) for demographics, tumor, treatment, and outcomes. The impact of a distal margin ≤ 0.5 cm was also similarly assessed., Results: Of 784 patients, distal resection margin was ≤ 1 cm in 198 and >1 cm in 586. Local recurrence occurred in 26 patients (3.3%). Mean distal resection margin was 2.3 ± 1.6 cm. Group A was associated with a lower level of tumor (1.3, 0.1-9 cm vs 2, 0.1-9 cm; P < .001), a higher rate of handsewn anastomosis (29.5% vs 12.9%, P < .001), and fewer T3/T4 tumors (28.2% vs 39.1%, P = .06). The 5-year local recurrence rate was 4.4% in group A and 4.3% in group B, and was 6.4% in patients with a distal margin <5 mm and 4.1% in those with a distal margin >5 mm. On multivariable analysis, local recurrence or disease-free survival was not associated with distal margin irrespective of whether this was <1 or <0.5 cm, adjusting for age, sex, use of adjuvant therapy, T stage, and differentiation., Conclusions: A distal resection margin of <1 cm for patients undergoing restorative radical resection for low-lying rectal cancer does not adversely influence oncologic outcomes when other factors are carefully considered and a multimodality approach is used. This factor, when carefully considered, will help avoid a permanent stoma in some circumstances.

Background & Aims: Restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) has substantially reduced the risk for ulcerative colitis (UC)-associated dysplasia or cancer (neoplasia). We characterized features, risk factors, and outcomes of pouch neoplasia in patients with inflammatory bowel disease in a historical cohort study., Methods: A total of 3203 patients with a preoperative diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease underwent restorative proctocolectomy with IPAA from 1984 to 2009 at the Cleveland Clinic. Demographic, clinical, and endoscopic data were reviewed and samples were examined by histological analyses. Univariable and Cox regression analyses were performed., Results: Cumulative incidences for pouch neoplasia at 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 years were 0.9%, 1.3%, 1.9%, 4.2%, and 5.1%, respectively. Thirty-eight patients (1.19%) had pouch neoplasia, including 11 (0.36%) with adenocarcinoma of the pouch and/or the anal-transitional zone (ATZ), 1 (0.03%) with pouch lymphoma, 3 with squamous cell cancer of the ATZ, and 23 with dysplasia (0.72%). In the Cox model, the risk factor associated with pouch neoplasia was a preoperative diagnosis of UC-associated cancer or dysplasia, with adjusted hazard ratios of 13.43 (95% confidence interval: 3.96-45.53; P < .001) and 3.62 (95% confidence interval: 1.59-8.23; P = .002), respectively. Mucosectomy did not protect against pouch neoplasia., Conclusions: Risk for neoplasia in patients with UC and IPAA is small and not eliminated by colectomy or mucosectomy. A preoperative diagnosis of dysplasia or cancer of colon or rectum is a risk factor for pouch dysplasia or adenocarcinoma., (Copyright © 2010 AGA Institute. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Outcomes for patients developing a leak after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis have not been well investigated. This study explored whether the use of a stapled or handsewn anastomosis was associated with different outcomes when an anastomotic leak developed., Patients and Methods: Patients were identified from a prospectively maintained pouch database. Functional outcomes regarding bowel movements, urgency, continence, and seepage were evaluated. Quality of life was assessed by the Cleveland Global Quality of Life Score., Results: One hundred and seventy-five patients with anastomotic leak (141 stapled and 34 handsewn anastomosis) were identified. The two groups were similar in gender and diagnosis. Patients with handsewn anastomosis were younger (P = 0.04), had less perioperative steroid use (P = 0.05), more proximal diversion (P = 0.02), and S-pouch creation (P = 0.003). More handsewn cases had intraoperative transfusion (P = 0.04) and postoperative hemorrhage within the pelvis (P = 0.003). Long-term pouch failure was 35.3 percent in the handsewn group and 12 percent in the stapled group (P = 0.002), which was confirmed by Kaplan-Meier analysis (Log-rank P = 0.007). On multivariate analysis, leak after handsewn anastomosis was independently associated with pouch failure. Leak after stapled anastomosis carried a lower incontinence rate at 5 years (P = 0.03), while handsewn had higher nocturnal seepage rate at 3, 5, and 10 years, and most recent follow-up. Cleveland Global Quality of Life Score was comparable between the groups during follow-up., Conclusion: Outcomes including functional results and pouch failure rates for patients developing a leak after stapled anastomosis at ileal pouch-anal anastomosis were significantly better than outcomes for patients who develop a leak after handsewn anastomosis.

Background: Crohn's disease (CD) of the pouch can occur in patients with restorative proctocolectomy and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis originally performed for a preoperative diagnosis of ulcerative colitis (UC). CD of the pouch was often observed in patients with a family history of CD. The purpose was to determine whether the family history of CD increased the risk for CD of the pouch in patients who underwent restorative proctocolectomy., Methods: A total of 558 eligible patients seen in the Pouchitis Clinic were enrolled, including 116 patients with CD of the pouch and 442 patients with a normal pouch or other pouch disorders. Demographic and clinical variables were included in the study. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed., Results: The adjusted multivariate logistic analyses revealed that the risk for CD of the pouch was increased in patients with a family history of CD, with an odds ratio (OR) of 3.22 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.56-6.67), or with a first-degree relative with CD (OR = 4.18, 95% CI, 1.48-11.8), or with a greater number of family members with CD (OR = 2.00 per family member, 95% CI, 1.19-3.37), adjusting for age, gender, smoking status, duration of IBD, duration of having a pouch, and a preoperation diagnosis of indeterminate colitis or CD. In addition, patients of younger age and longer duration of having a pouch had a higher risk for CD of the pouch. A diagnosis of CD of the pouch was associated with a poor outcome, with a greater than 5-fold estimated increased odds of pouch failure (OR = 5.58, 95% CI, 2.74-11.4)., Conclusions: The presence of a family history of CD is associated with an increased risk for CD of the pouch, which in turn has a high risk for pouch failure.

Objective: To assess long-term outcomes after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) in Crohn's disease (CD)., Summary Background Data: Although considered the procedure of choice in ulcerative colitis, performance of ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) is controversial in CD., Methods: CD patients were identified from a prospectively maintained IPAA database. Time-to-diagnosis and pouch retention rates were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier curves. Demographic, clinical, and pathologic factors associated with pouch retention were evaluated with log-rank test and Cox proportional hazards model., Results: Two hundred and four CD patients (108 female, median age 33 years, and median follow-up 7.4 years) with primary IPAA were included. CD diagnosis was before IPAA (intentional) in 20(10%), from postoperative histopathology (incidental) in 97(47%) or made in a delayed fashion at median 36 months after IPAA in 87(43%). Overall 10-year pouch retention was 71%. On multivariate analysis, pouch loss was associated with delayed diagnosis (P = 0.03, hazard ratio [HR] 2.6 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1-6.5)), pouch-vaginal fistula (P = 0.01, HR 2.8 (95% CI 1.3-6.4)), and pelvic sepsis (P = 0.0001, HR 9.7(95% CI 3.4-27.3)). Patients with retained IPAA at follow-up had near-perfect/perfect continence (72%), rare/no urgency (68%) with median daily bowel movements 7 (range 2-20). Median overall quality of life, quality of health, level of energy, and happiness with surgery were 9, 9, 8, and 10 of 10, respectively., Conclusions: For CD patients with IPAA, when the diagnosis is established preoperatively or immediately following surgery, pouch loss rates are low and functional results are favorable. Outcomes in patients with delayed diagnosis are worse but half retain their pouch at 10 years with good functional outcomes.

Both medical and surgical therapies for ulcerative colitis have inherent advantages and disadvantages that must be balanced for patients with moderate to severe disease. Restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis has become the surgical treatment of choice for the majority of patients with ulcerative colitis who require proctocolectomy. However, adverse sequelae of mechanical, inflammatory, functional, neoplastic, and metabolic conditions related to the pouch can occur postoperatively. Recognition and familiarization of the disease conditions related to the ileal pouch can be challenging for practicing gastroenterologists. Accurate diagnosis and classification of the disease conditions are imperative for proper management and prognosis.

Purpose: Controversy exists regarding the safety for omission of diverting ileostomy in restorative proctocolectomy because of fears of increased septic complications. This study was designed to evaluate the outcomes of restorative proctocolectomy in a consecutive series of patients by comparing postoperative complications, functional results, and quality of life in patients with and without diverting ileostomy., Methods: Data regarding demographics, length of stay, surgical characteristics, and complications were reviewed and recorded according to the presence (n= 1,725) or absence (n = 277) of a diverting ileostomy at the time of pelvic pouch surgery. Criteria for omission of ileostomy included: stapled anastomosis, tension-free anastomosis, intact tissue rings, good hemostasis, absence of airleaks, malnutrition, toxicity, anemia, and prolonged consumption of steroids. Functional outcome and quality of life indicators were prospectively recorded and compared., Results: Patients in the ileostomy group had greater body surface area and older mean age at time of surgery, were taking greater doses of steroids preoperatively, and required more blood transfusions at the time of surgery compared with the one-stage (P < 0.05). There were no differences between the two groups in septic complications (P > 0.05). Early postoperative ileus was more common in the one-stage group (P < 0.001). There were no differences between the groups in quality of life and functional outcomes., Conclusions: For carefully selected patients undergoing restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis, omission of diverting ileostomy is a safe procedure that does not lead to an increase in septic complications or mortality. Quality of life and functional results are similar to those who undergo ileal pouch-anal anastomosis with diversion, provided that certain selection factors are considered.

Background & Aims: Although pouchitis is considered the most common adverse sequela of ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA), inflammatory and noninflammatory conditions other than pouchitis are increasingly being recognized. The risk factors for these non-pouchitis conditions, including Crohn's disease (CD) of the pouch, cuffitis, and irritable pouch syndrome (IPS), have not been studied. The aim of this study was to assess risk factors for inflammatory and noninflammatory diseases of IPAA in a tertiary care setting., Methods: The study consisted of 240 consecutive patients who were classified as having healthy pouches (N = 49), pouchitis (N = 61), CD of the pouch (N = 39), cuffitis (N = 41), or IPS (N =50). Demographic and clinical features were assessed to determine risk factors for each of these conditions by using logistic regression analysis., Results: Risk factors remaining in the final logistic regression models were for pouchitis: IPAA indication for dysplasia (odds ratio [OR], 3.89; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.69-8.98), never having smoked (OR, 5.09; 95% CI, 1.01-25.69), no use of anti-anxiety agents (OR, 5.19; 95% CI, 1.45-18.59), or use of NSAIDs (OR, 3.24; 95% CI, 1.71-6.13); for CD of the pouch: a long duration of IPAA (OR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.12-1.30) and current smoking (OR, 4.77; 95% CI, 1.39-16.25); for cuffitis: arthralgias (OR, 4.13; 95% CI, 1.91-8.94) and younger age (OR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.01-1.33); and for IPS: use of antidepressants (OR, 4.17, 95% CI, 1.95-8.92) or anti-anxiety agents (OR, 3.21; 95% CI, 1.34-7.47)., Conclusions: The majority of risk factors for the 4 inflammatory and noninflammatory conditions of IPAA are different, suggesting that each of these diseases has a different etiology and pathogenesis. The identification and modification of these risk factors might help patients and clinicians to make a preoperative decision for IPAA, reduce IPAA-related morbidity, and improve response to treatment.

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of radiotherapy (RT) on sexual function in patients undergoing oncologic resection for rectal cancer, and to develop a mathematical model for quantifying the risk of sexual dysfunction through time for this group of patients., Methods: Data were prospectively collected on patients undergoing proctosigmoidectomy (group 1: n = 101) or adjuvant radiotherapy (40-50 Gy) and resection (group 2: n = 100) for rectal cancer at a tertiary referral center between December 1998 and July 2004. Study end points were recorded at 7 time intervals (preoperatively, 4 months, 8 months, 1 year, 2 years, 3 years, and 4 years after surgery) and included: 1) ability to have an erection, 2) maintain an erection, 3) attain orgasm, 4) dry orgasm, and 5) whether they were sexually active. Multilevel logistic regression analysis for repeated measures was used to identify factors associated with the sexual dysfunction. A predictive model was developed and internally validated by comparing observed and model-predicted outcomes., Results: Radiotherapy had an adverse effect on the ability to get an erection, maintain an erection, attain orgasm, and being sexually active in comparison with patients undergoing surgery alone (7.4%, 12.6%, 16.2%, and 13.7% reduction 8 months after surgery respectively; P < 0.05). The effect of sexual dysfunction deteriorated with age (odds ratio for erectile function, 0.40 per 10-year increase in age; 95% confidence interval, 0.29-0.49; P < 0.001). A significant variability in sexual function was present among the 7 time points with a maximal deterioration occurring at 8 months after surgery with subsequent slow but not complete recovery (P < 0.001). The predictive model showed adequate discrimination on 4 of the 5 domains of sexual dysfunction (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve >0.70)., Conclusions: Radiotherapy has an adverse effect on sexual function, the effect being maximal at 8 months after surgery. The risk of sexual dysfunction can be quantified preoperatively using the proposed index and can assist patients in making better informed choices on the type of treatment they receive.

Purpose: The colonic J-pouch has been used to improve bowel function in patients undergoing low colorectal or coloanal anastomosis. However, a narrow pelvis, difficulties in reach, a long anal canal with prominent sphincters, or a fatty mesentery may turn this technique into a technically challenging procedure in certain patients. In these circumstances, "coloplasty" offers an alternative to a straight anastomosis. The purpose of this study was to compare the quality of life, functional outcome, and complications between patients undergoing coloplasty, colonic J-pouch, or straight anastomosis., Methods: Altogether, 162 patients who underwent coloanal or low colorectal anastomosis between 1998 and 2001 were studied. Data collected included demographics, length of follow-up, technique and type of anastomosis, complications, quality of life, and functional outcome. Results were analyzed according to use of a coloplasty (n = 69), colonic J-pouch (n = 43), or straight anastomosis (n = 50). The choice of the technique was based on the surgeon's preference. Usually coloplasty or straight anastomosis was favored in male patients with a narrow pelvis or when a handsewn anastomosis was used., Results: Quality of life assessment with the short form-36 questionnaire revealed better scores in coloplasty and colonic J-pouch groups. The coloplasty (1.0 +/- 1.7) and colonic J-pouch (1.0 +/- 1.2) groups had fewer night bowel movements than the straight anastomosis group (1.5 +/- 2.0) (P < 0.05). The coloplasty group also had fewer bowel movements per day than the straight anastomosis group (3.8 +/- 2.9 vs. 4.8 +/- 3.6; P < 0.05); also, less clustering and less antidiarrheal medication use were observed than in the straight anastomosis group. Colonic J-pouch patients with handsewn anastomosis had a higher anastomotic leak rate (44 percent) than the patients in the coloplasty with handsewn anastomosis group (3.6 percent)., Conclusions: Coloplasty seems to be a safe, effective technique for improving the outcome of low colorectal or coloanal anastomosis. It is especially applicable when a colonic J-pouch anastomosis is technically difficult.

Purpose: Disconnection of an ileal pouch-anal anastomosis with repeat ileal pouch-anal anastomosis has been proposed for treatment of ileal pouch-anal anastomosis failure caused by septic or functional complications. We report our experience with repeat ileal pouch-anal anastomosis, and document functional outcome and quality of life., Methods: Of 101 patients undergoing laparotomy, ileoanal disconnection, and repeat ileal pouch-anal anastomosis, 80 were referred from other institutions. Indications included: chronic anastomotic leak (n=27), perineal or pouch-vaginal fistula (n=47), anastomotic stricture (n=22), dysfunction/long efferent limb of S-pouch (n=36), and previous ileal pouch-anal anastomosis excision or exclusion (n=6). In 64 cases a "septic" indication was observed. Pathologic features of Crohn's disease were present in 4 patients preoperatively and 15 more after repeat ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. Four patients had clinical features of Crohn's disease., Results: Three patients had no ileostomy, and 82 patients had temporary ileostomy closure. Of these, 82 percent have a functioning pouch, with a median follow-up of 32 functioning months. Two were rediverted and 13 had the pouch excised. Five-year pouch survival was 74 percent, higher for ulcerative colitis (79 percent) than Crohn's disease (53 percent; P=0.06). No differences were seen between those having repeat ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for septic or nonseptic indications, or whether using a new or repaired pouch. Patients defecated 6.3 +/- 2.8 (mean +/- standard deviation) times per day, and 2 +/- 1.9 per night. Thirty-five percent of patients never described urgency. Fecal seepage occurred in 50 percent during the day and 69 percent at night. Using the Cleveland Global Quality of Life Score to assess the patient's quality of life, health, level of energy, and happiness with surgery (each scored from 0-10), quality of life was 8.2 +/- 1.6, and happiness with surgery was 9 +/- 2. Ninety-seven percent would undergo repeat ileal pouch-anal anastomosis again, and 99 percent would recommend it to others., Conclusions: Repeat ileal pouch-anal anastomosis is a valid alternative for patients with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis failure. A controlled septic condition should not preclude salvage surgery. Although pouch failure occurs more frequently than after primary ileal pouch-anal anastomosis, patient satisfaction and quality of life are high.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate how age affects functional outcome and quality of life after ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA). SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA Because of the limited number of older patients undergoing IPAA, it has been difficult to assess functional outcome and quality of life stratified by age. METHODS IPAA was performed in 1895 patients. Patients were stratified by age into <45 (n = 1410), 46-55 (n = 289), 56-65 (n = 154), and more than 65 years (n = 42). Outcome was assessed prospectively. Results are presented at 1, 3, 5, and 10 years after surgery.RESULTS Patients were followed for 4.6 +/- 3.7 years (maximum, 17 years). Pouch failure occurred in 4.1% (pouch excision or permanent diversion). Incontinence and night time seepage were more common in older patients. There were minor differences in the quality of life, health, energy and happiness between age groups, with a slight benefit for those under 45 years. Fourteen percent or fewer patients experienced social, sexual or work restrictions. Overall, 96% of patients were happy to have undergone their surgery, and 98% recommended it to others. Although the respective figures were 89% and 96% in the over-65 age group, the difference was not significant. CONCLUSIONS These data provide a unique assessment of outcome after IPAA at multiple time points. Although functional outcome after IPAA is not as good in older patients, appropriate case selection confers acceptable function and quality of life to patients of all ages.

Background: J pouch-anal anastomosis is thought to give superior functional results to straight coloanal anastomosis after rectal resection. Follow-up studies have suggested that this improvement is not maintained and that evacuatory difficulties may increase., Methods: Some 119 consecutive patients had a coloanal anastomosis after resection for rectal carcinoma over 113 months, 62 with a J pouch and 57 with a straight coloanal anastomosis. Functional results were determined by patient questionnaire. The two groups were compared for the first and second 5-year intervals of study., Results: Patients who had a J pouch had significantly better median Kirwan continence scores for the duration of the study and 5-9 years after surgery: 1 versus 2 (P = 0.05) and 1 versus 2 (P < 0.01), respectively. Some 5-9 years after surgery the median number of nocturnal bowel movements was significantly lower in patients who had a J pouch than in those with a straight coloanal anastomosis (0 versus 1; P = 0.02). Similarly, significantly better results were seen with regard to evacuation difficulties and urgency of defaecation., Conclusion: The function of the J pouch was superior to that of the straight coloanal anastomosis and appeared to improve with time.

Purpose: The tradeoff of neoplasia control for better function represented by a stapled ileal pouch-anal anastomosis is still controversial in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis. We compared outcomes after mucosectomy and hand-sewn ileal pouch-anal anastomosis with those after stapled ileal pouch-anal anastomosis in 119 patients with familial adenomatous polyposis who underwent surgery since 1983., Methods: Age, gender, length of follow-up, complications, quality of life, incontinence, urgency, nighttime and daytime seepage, pad usage, necessity of ileostomy, and incidence of adenomas developing in pouch and anal transitional zone were recorded., Results: There were 42 mucosectomy and 77 stapled patients who were followed up for an average of 5.8 and 3.6 years, respectively, with endoscopic surveillance. There was one postoperative death in the stapled group that prohibited long-term follow-up. Nine of 42 mucosectomy patients developed pouch adenomas vs. 8 of 76 in the stapled group. Six of 42 patients developed adenomas in the mucosectomized anal transitional zone in the mucosectomy group. Twenty-one of 76 patients developed adenomas in the anal transitional zone in the stapled group. All were managed with local procedures or further surveillance. One of 76 patients developed cancer in the residual low rectum; this required further resection. Patients with stapled anastomosis had better outcomes in every category. Differences in incontinence, daytime and nighttime seepage, pad usage, and avoidance of ileostomy were statistically significant. All patients with mucosectomy required ileostomy vs. only 40 of 77 patients with stapled anastomosis., Conclusion: Familial adenomatous polyposis patients with stapled ileal pouch-anal anastomosis have better functional outcome and can avoid temporary diversion. This should be balanced against a 28 percent incidence of adenomas in the anal transitional zone.

Purpose: Preservation of the anal transitional zone during ileal pouch-anal anastomosis is still controversial because of the risk of dysplasia and the theoretical risk of associated cancer. Without long-term follow-up data, the natural history and optimal treatment of anal transitional zone dysplasia are unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the long-term risk of dysplasia in the anal transitional zone and to evaluate the outcome of a conservative management policy for anal transitional zone dysplasia., Methods: Two hundred ten patients undergoing anal transitional zone-sparing ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for ulcerative or indeterminate colitis between 1987 and 1992 and who were studied with serial anal transitional zone biopsies for at least five years postoperatively were included. Median follow up was 77 (range, 60-124) months., Results: Anal transitional zone dysplasia developed in seven patients 4 to 51 (median, 11) months postoperatively. There was no association with gender, age, preoperative disease duration or extent of colitis, but the risk of anal transitional zone dysplasia was significantly increased in patients with prior cancer or dysplasia in the colon or rectum. Dysplasia was high grade in one and low grade in six. Two patients each with low-grade dysplasia detected on three separate occasions underwent mucosectomy 29 and 38 months after detection of low-grade dysplasia, but no cancer was found. The five other patients with dysplasia on one or two occasions were treated expectantly and were apparently dysplasia-free for a median of 72 (range, 48-100) months., Conclusions: Anal transitional zone dysplasia after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis is infrequent, is most common in the first two to three years postoperatively and may apparently disappear on repeated biopsy. Anal transitional zone preservation did not lead to the development of cancer in the anal transitional zone after five to ten years of follow-up. Long-term surveillance is recommended to monitor dysplasia. If repeat biopsy confirms persistent dysplasia, anal transitional zone excision with neoileal pouch-anal anastomosis is recommended.

Objective: To evaluate prospectively long-term quality of life and functional outcome after restorative proctocolectomy (RPC) with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis, and to evaluate and validate a novel quality-of-life indicator in this group of patients., Summary Background Data: Restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis is now the preferred option when total proctocolectomy is required for ulcerative colitis or familial adenomatous polyposis, but long-term data on functional outcome and quality of life after the procedure are lacking., Methods: Patients (n = 977) who underwent RPC with stapled anastomosis for colitis or polyposis coli and who were followed for > or =12 months were included. Quality of life, fecal incontinence, and satisfaction with surgery were prospectively evaluated by structured interview or questionnaire for 1 to 12 years after surgery (median 5.0). Quality of life was scored using the Cleveland Global Quality of Life (CGQL) instrument (Fazio Score). This is a novel score developed over the past 15 years by the senior author. Quality of life was also evaluated in a subgroup of patients with the Short Form 36 (SF-36). The CGQL was validated by determining its reliability, responsiveness, and validity as well as its correlation with the SF-36 score., Results: Postoperative quality of life as measured by SF-36 was excellent and compared well with published norms for the general U.S. population. The CGQL was found to be reliable, responsive, and valid, and there was a high correlation with the SF-36 scores. Using the CGQL, quality of life was shown to increase after the first 2 years after surgery, and there was no deterioration thereafter. The prevalence of perfect continence increased from 75.5% before surgery to 82.4% after surgery, and although this deteriorated somewhat >2 years after surgery, it was no worse than preoperative values. Ninety-eight percent of patients would recommend the surgery to others., Conclusions: Long-term quality of life after ileal pouch surgery is excellent and the level of continence is satisfactory. This surgery is an excellent long-term option in patients requiring total proctocolectomy. The CGQL is a simple, valid, and reliable measure of quality of life after pelvic pouch surgery and may well be applicable in many other clinical conditions.

Objective: To evaluate the outcome of repeat ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) for septic complications of pelvic pouch surgery; to assess the relationship between diagnosis and outcome; to assess quality of life after surgery., Summary Background Data: Pelvic and perineal sepsis due to ileal pouch-anal anastomotic leaks frequently results in pouch loss. Many surgeons believe that pelvic sepsis and/or dense pelvic fibrosis makes salvage surgery unsafe or that pouches salvaged under these circumstances may not function well. As a result, there are few studies of pouch salvage procedures for septic indications., Methods: The authors reviewed records of Cleveland Clinic Foundation patients who had undergone repeat IPAA surgery after septic complications from previous pelvic pouch surgery and who had completed at least 6 months of follow-up. Final diagnoses included ulcerative colitis (n = 22), Crohn's disease (n = 10), indeterminate colitis (n = 1), and familial polyposis (n = 2). Patients with functioning pouches were interviewed about functional problems and quality of life using an in-house questionnaire and the validated SF-36 Health Survey., Results: Of 35 patients, 30 (86%) had a functioning pouch 6 months after repeat IPAA. In 4 patients, complications led to pouch removal or fecal diversion. One patient declined stoma closure. Of the patients with mucosal ulcerative colitis (MUC), 95% (21/22) had a functioning pouch 6 months after surgery. For patients with Crohn's disease (CD) 60% (6/10) have maintained a functioning pouch. Of the 30 patients with functioning pouches, 17 (57%) rated their quality of life as either "good" or "excellent," the remaining 13 (43%) selected "fair" or "poor." All said they would choose repeat IPAA surgery again. An SF-36 Health Survey completed by all patients with a functioning pouch at follow-up showed a mean physical component scale of 46.4 and a mean mental component scale of 47.6, scores well within the normal limit., Conclusions: Repeat IPAA can often salvage pelvic pouches in patients with MUC who suffer major chronic perianastomotic and pelvic sepsis. Patients who had successful repeat IPAA surgery often report functional problems but would still choose to have the surgery again. For patients with CD, ultimate pouch excision or fecal diversion have been required in 40% indicating a guarded prognosis for these patients. Data on the success of the procedure for patients with indeterminate colitis and familial adenomatous polyposis were inconclusive because of small sample sizes.

Unlabelled: Vaginal fistula (VF) is a devastating complication following restorative proctocolectomy., Purpose: This study was designed to examine the perioperative factors influencing the outcome and management of vaginal fistula., Method: Between October 1983 and September 1994, 526 women underwent restorative proctocolectomy. Nineteen develop VF (3.6 percent), and six were referred from other institutions with this complication. These 25 women were followed for a minimum of nine months., Results: Preoperative diagnosis of ulcerative colitis was made in 23 of the patients with VF (92 percent), and indeterminate colitis and familial adenomatous polyposis was determined in the rest of the patients. Postoperatively, 12 of the 23 women (52 percent) with a preoperative diagnosis of ulcerative colitis had clinical/pathologic findings of Crohn's disease, and 1 woman was reclassified as having indeterminate colitis. Postoperative pelvic sepsis was significantly higher in women with VF than in those without VF (26.3 vs. 6.3 percent; P = 0.003). Median time until occurrence of VF following loop ileostomy closure was later for women with delayed findings of Crohn's disease at 16.5 (range, <1-72) months, compared with women without Crohn's disease at 0.5 (range, <1-67) months (P < 0.05). Of the 163 women with handsewn anastomosis performed at our institution, 12 developed VF (7.4 percent). In contrast, 7 of the 363 patients with stapled anastomosis had VF (1.9 percent; P = 0.003). Site of VF was found at the anastomosis in 12 patients, below in 12 patients, and above in 1 patient. Presence of Crohn's disease and anastomotic technique did not influence the site of VF. Initial management of VF consisted of transanal repair in 20 patients (advancement flap, 12; direct repair, 6; and neoileoanal anastomosis, 2), seton in 1 patient, transabdominal approach in 1 patient, transvaginal in 1 patient, observation in 1 patient, and pouch excision in 1 patient. Of the 13 women without Crohn's disease, 12 had transanal repair (10 healed, 1 had recurrence, and 1 had pouch excision), and 1 had successfully repair with transabdominal technique, for an overall success rate of 84.6 percent. Of the 12 women with VF and delayed findings of Crohn's disease, transanal repair was performed on 9, 1 had pouch excision without repair, 1 had seton placement and pouch excision, and 1 underwent observation. Transanal technique of repair in women with Crohn's disease successfully healed three women (33.3 percent). Overall, of the 12 women with delayed findings of Crohn's disease, 6 had pouch excision, 3 had recurrences, and 3 healed., Conclusion: VF is an uncommon complication following restorative proctocolectomy and is associated with a high incidence of pelvic sepsis and handsewn anastomosis. Late presentation of VF is more common with Crohn's disease and is associated with a poor prognosis and pouch salvage rate. Transanal techniques are an effective means of VF repair.

Background: Long-term steroid therapy predisposes to postsurgical complications, especially in patients with inflammatory bowel disease., Purpose: This study was undertaken to determine incidence of early septic complications after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) in patients who are undergoing prolonged steroid therapy., Methods: We reviewed charts of 692 patients undergoing restorative proctocolectomy and IPAA to treat ulcerative colitis. Incidence of early (within 30 days) septic complications and sepsis-related reoperations, in patients who were having high-dose (>20 mg of prednisone per day) and low-dose steroid therapy (<20 mg of prednisone per day) for more than one month before surgery, was compared with patients who were not receiving steroid therapy. Follow-up included an annual questionnaire and physical examination., Results: Patients without steroid dose data recorded were excluded (n = 21). Of the 671 remaining patients, 310 received no steroids, 169 received low-dose steroids, and 192 received high-dose steroids. These three groups were similar in gender composition, age at surgery, types of anastomosis (stapled or handsewn), and incidence of diabetes mellitus, peripheral vascular disease, and obesity. Early septic complications were found in 18 (6 percent), 14 (8 percent), and 12 (6 percent) patients without steroid therapy, those having low-dose steroid therapy, and those having high-dose steroid therapy (P = 0.57), respectively. Sepsis- related reoperation rate (P = 0.73) and number of sepsis-related pouch excisions (P = 0.79) did not differ between groups. In patients undergoing IPAA without ileostomy, early septic complications were found in one (3.8 percent), two (20 percent), and five (50 percent) patients without steroid treatment, low-dose steroid therapy, and high-dose steroid therapy (P = 0.004), respectively., Conclusion: In patients who are undergoing IPAA with diversion for ulcerative colitis, prolonged systemic steroid therapy before surgery is not associated with increased septic complications.

Background: One of the theoretic advantages of using a stapled versus handsewn ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) in restorative proctocolectomy is a reduction in septic complications. We performed this study to compare the incidence of early septic complications in patients undergoing restorative proctocolectomy with stapled or handsewn IPAA., Patients and Methods: A chart review of 692 patients undergoing restorative proctocolectomy for treatment of ulcerative colitis was performed. The incidence of early septic complications in patients having stapled IPAA was compared to that in patients having handsewn IPAA. Follow-up studies included an annual questionnaire and physical examination., Results: Of the 692 patients, 238 had handsewn IPAA and 454 had stapled IPAA; these two groups were similar in sex, duration of disease, age at surgery, and type of surgical procedure performed. In the handsewn IPAA group, 25 patients (10.5%) had 32 septic complications, and 24 required 89 reparations. In 7 patients, the pouch was excised. In the stapled IPAA group, 21 patients (4.6%) had 23 septic complications, and 14 required 40 reparations. One patient needed pouch excision. There were more patients (P=0.0001) with early septic complications, and more (P<0.0001) pouch excisions because of these complications, in patients with handsewn IPAA than in patients with stapled IPAA. The sepsis-related reoperation rates did not differ significantly., Conclusions: The stapled technique for IPAA has fewer septic complications and results in fewer sepsis-related pouch excisions, in our hands, than the handsewn technique technique, for treating patients with ulcerative colitis.

Background: Restorative proctocolectomy and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) has become an established surgery for patients with chronic ulcerative colitis and familial adenomatous polyposis., Purpose: The authors report the results of an 11-year experience of restorative proctocolectomy and IPAA at a tertiary referral center., Methods: Chart review was performed for 1005 patients undergoing IPAA from 1983 through 1993. Preoperative histopathologic diagnoses were ulcerative colitis (n = 858), familial adenomatous polyposis (n = 62), indeterminate colitis (n = 75), and miscellaneous (n = 10). Information was obtained regarding patient demographics, type and duration of diseases, previous operations, and indications for surgery. Data were collected on surgical procedure and postoperative pathologic diagnosis. Early (within 30 days after surgery) and late complications were noted. Follow-up included an annual function and quality-of-life questionnaire, physical examination, and biopsies of the pouch and anal transitional zone., Results: Of the 1005 patients (455 women), postoperative histopathologic diagnoses were as follows: ulcerative colitis (n = 812), familial adenomatous polyposis (n = 62), indeterminate colitis (n = 54), Crohn's disease (n = 67), and miscellaneous (n = 10). During a mean follow-up time of 35 months (range 1-125 months), histopathologic diagnoses were changed for 25 patients. The overall mortality rate was 1% (n = 10 patients, early = 4, late = 6); one death (0.1%) was related to pouch necrosis and sepsis. The overall morbidity rate was 62.7% (1218 complications in 630 patients; early, n = 27.5%; late, n = 50.5%). Septic complication and reoperation rates were 6.8% and 24%, respectively. The ileal pouch was removed in 34 patients (3.4%), and it is nonfunctional in 11 (1%). Functional results and quality of life were good to excellent in 93% of the patients with complete data (n = 645) and are similar for patients with ulcerative colitis, familial adenomatous polyposis, indeterminate colitis, and Crohn's disease. Patients who underwent operations from 1983 through 1988 have similar functional results and quality of life compared with patients who underwent operations after 1988., Conclusion: Restorative proctocolectomy with an IPAA is a safe procedure, with low mortality and major morbidity rates. Although total morbidity rate is appreciable, functional results generally are good and patient satisfaction is high.

Unlabelled: One technique used during restorative proctocolectomy to prevent loss of continence involves preservation of the anal canal. This technique retains a small amount of colonic mucosa and transitional mucosa that may become inflamed or develop dysplastic or neoplastic changes., Purpose: This study was designed to determine the presence and severity of anal canal inflammation and the need for treatment., Method: Records of 217 patients with mucosal ulcerative colitis who underwent restorative proctocolectomy with a stapled ileal pouch-anal anastomosis without anal mucosectomy from 1987 through 1990 were retrospectively reviewed., Results: Anal canal inflammation was evident on both endoscopy and biopsy in 48 patients (22.11 percent); 18 patients (8.29 percent) had a normal ileal pouch (9 had symptoms; 5 required topical treatment), and 30 patients (13.82 percent) had associated ileal pouch inflammation (23 with symptoms requiring systemic treatment because of pouchitis; 10 patients had concomitant topical treatment)., Conclusion: Symptomatic inflammation of the retained mucosa occurred in 32 (14.7 percent) patients. Nine (4.1 percent) patients had inflammation of the anal canal alone, and 23 (10.6 percent) had pouchitis in addition. The need for treatment occurred in 28 (12.9 percent) of the total ((2.3 percent) patients with anal canal inflammation and 23 (10.6 percent) with anal canal inflammation plus pouchitis).

Unlabelled: Preservation of the anal transitional zone (ATZ) after restorative proctocolectomy and stapled ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) for ulcerative colitis is controversial., Purpose: To evaluate the incidence, risk factors, and treatment options for dysplasia and/or cancer after restorative proctocolectomy and stapled IPAA., Methods: We reviewed the records of all 254 patients operated on for ulcerative colitis who had a restorative proctocolectomy, stapled IPAA, and annual postoperative biopsies of ATZ. Follow-up studies included an annual questionnaire and physical examination., Results: During a follow-up of 2.3 +/- 1.4 (mean +/- standard deviation) years, low-grade dysplasia was found in eight patients (3.1 percent), 16 (median: range, 6-56) months after surgery. Repeated biopsies revealed dysplasia in only two of eight patients, and completion mucosectomy was performed. Dysplasia in ATZ was associated with a preoperative (P = 0.02) or postoperative (P = 0.04) pathologic diagnosis of ulcerative colitis with concurrent dysplasia or cancer. No association (P > 0.05) was found between dysplasia and the following: age, sex, preoperative length of disease, use of a double-stapled versus single-stapled technique, or anastomotic distance from the dentate line., Conclusions: Incidence of low-grade dysplasia in ATZ was low. Restorative proctocolectomy with total mucosectomy of the anal canal and handsewn IPAA is recommended for patients with preoperative diagnosis of ulcerative colitis and concurrent cancer or dysplasia. Frequent follow-up with biopsies is recommended for patients with incidental finding of cancer or high-grade dysplasia after restorative proctocolectomy and stapled IPAA with preservation of ATZ. For persistent or recurrent low-grade dysplasia, we recommend a completion mucosectomy.

Background: The association between mucosal ulcerative colitis (MUC) and adenocarcinoma is well established., Methods: Records of patients who had undergone restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) from 1983 through 1992 were examined. Of these, 604 had MUC and 27 (4.3%) had MUC with coexisting cancer. Patients were surveyed annually for recurrent disease. Pouch function and quality of life were evaluated with a questionnaire and physical examination., Results: The duration of disease was longer (p = 0.001) in patients with cancer (16.1 +/- 8.0 years) than in those without cancer (9.1 +/- 7.1 years), although the mean age at diagnosis of MUC was the same. Of the 27 patients, 20 had colon cancer and seven had rectal cancer. Multicentricity was found in seven (25.9%) patients. Using the TNM staging classification, 14 patients (51.8%) had stage 1 cancer, eight (29.6%) had stage 2, four (14.8%) had stage 3, and one (3.8%) had stage 4. The patient with stage 4 cancer died 5 months after surgery and was excluded from the follow-up analysis. During a mean follow-up time of 4.3 +/- 2.6 years, cancer recurred in two of the remaining 26 patients (7.7%). In one patient, a local recurrence was found 8 months after surgery, and distant metastases were found in the other patient 35 months after surgery. Both recurrences were in patients with colon cancer. Two of the 26 patients died; one death was related to cancer recurrence (3.8%). Pouch function is good to excellent in all surviving patients., Conclusions: Restorative proctocolectomy for patients with MUC and coexisting colorectal cancer can be performed with a favorable prognosis and function. It is appropriate for curative intent, given that an adequate margin without tumor is obtained.

Purpose: The aim of our study was to evaluate the safety and functional outcome of restorative proctocolectomy (RP) without diversion., Methods: Fifty patients underwent RP without diversion for ulcerative colitis (82 percent), familial adenomatous polyposis (12 percent), and indeterminate colitis (6 percent). The perioperative course and functional outcome of these patients were compared with another group of 50 patients undergoing RP with diverting ileostomy during the same time period (1989-1991) and closely matched for age, gender, surgeon, diagnosis, extent and duration (median, 10 years) of colitis, prior colectomy (approximately 22 percent), steroid use (40 percent), type of pouch, distance of ileal pouch-anal anastomosis from the dentate line (median, 1.5 cm), and the duration of follow-up (median, 12 months). All patients had a stapled ileal pouch-anal anastomosis without mucosectomy and a smooth conduct of the operation., Results: There was no operative mortality. Anastomotic leaks and pelvic abscess were more common in patients without ileostomy (7/50 or 14 percent vs. 2/50 or 4 percent); 8 of these 9 patients were taking > or = 20 mg of prednisone/day. Septic complications requiring relaparotomy (6 percent vs. 0 percent), prolonged ileus, and fever of unknown origin (10 percent vs. 4 percent) were also more common in patients without ileostomy. Despite similar functional results at 6 weeks and at 12 months after initial pouch function, patients without ileostomy had a poorer quality of life index (5 vs. 8; 10 being best) in the early period (0-6 weeks) of pouch function., Conclusion: In equally favorable cases, RP without diversion is not as safe as RP with diversion, especially in patients taking > or = 20 mg of prednisone/day.

Unlabelled: This article examines the effect of ileal pouch-anal (n = 134) and coloanal (n = 16) anastomoses on resting anal canal pressures in 150 patients., Methods: Patients underwent anal manometry before ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) and coloanal anastomosis (CAA) and again six weeks after ileostomy closure following these procedures. A water-perfused catheter system with four radial ports was used for manometry, pressures being recorded during both station and continuous pull through., Results: Patients with IPAA were younger than those with CAA (34 years vs. 50 years) and had a different ratio of hand-to-stapled anastomosis (1:2.6 vs. 1.3:1). All CAA patients had had rectal cancer while IPAA patients suffered mainly from ulcerative colitis (n = 114) or familial polyposis (n = 10). The mean preoperative resting pressure for all patients was 79 mmHg (75-87, 95 percent confidence limit) and the mean fall in this pressure after surgery was 25 mmHg (-21 to -29, 95 percent confidence limit). There was no difference in preoperative pressure or fall between handsewn and stapled anastomoses, or between IPAA and CAA., Conclusion: There was a significant relationship between preoperative pressure and change in pressure that held true for all subgroups (change = -0.7 x preoperative pressure + 31, r = 0.69). Analysis of the functional results confirmed that patients with high preoperative pressure are at risk for severe falls after surgery and are not guaranteed a good result. Conversely, patients with low preoperative pressures may actually have an increase with surgery and are not always incontinent. Patients with low preoperative anal resting pressures should not be denied anastomosis to the anus if they are continent.

Restorative proctocolectomy (RP) is generally considered to achieve better results in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) than in those with mucosal ulcerative colitis (MUC). We studied 39 pairs of patients (FAP versus MUC), individually matched for surgeon (n = 4), types of ileal pouch (19 S-pouches and 20 J-pouches), technique of ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (21 stapled, 18 handsewn with mucosectomy), duration of follow-up after pouch function (median: 32 months; range: 6 months to 8.5 years), age (median: 30 years; range: 12 to 60 years), and gender (male-to-female ratio: 1.4:1.0). The median duration of operation (3.2 hours), hospital stay (9 days), and the amount of blood loss (about 650 mL) were similar between the two groups. The patients in the MUC group tended to have a higher overall complication rate (28% versus 21%) and more pouch-related septic complications (13% versus 8%, p = 0.6 by chi 2 analysis). Functional results were similar for daytime (median: 5 per day) and nighttime (median: 1 per night) stool frequency and the median duration that defecation could be deferred (median: about 1.5 hours). Perfect continence was present in 34 (87%) patients during the day and in 19 (49%) patients during the night in each group. The use of antidiarrheal medications did not differ between the two groups. According to an analogue scale (from 1 to 10, with 10 being best), the quality of life and health and satisfaction with outcome (median score: 9) were identical between the groups. Thus, in closely matched groups of patients with FAP and MUC, the functional outcome after RP was similar. However, pouchitis was more common in the MUC group (33% versus 10%, p < 0.05 by chi 2 analysis).

One hundred thirty-one patients underwent ileorectal anastomosis (IRA) for Crohn's colitis. Preoperatively, 84 patients (63 percent) were found to have mild or moderate proctitis and 47 (37 percent) had rectal sparing. Sixty-eight (52 percent) had associated small bowel disease, and 20 (15 percent) had perianal disease. Sixty-five IRAs were performed at the time of subtotal colectomy, while 56 were done after previous surgery. Anastomotic leaks occurred in four patients. There were no operative deaths. Thirteen patients (10 percent) with protecting stomas never underwent closure. Among the remaining 118 patients with functioning IRAs, 30 (23 percent) required later proctectomy and 16 (13 percent) required proximal diversion, with the mean period with a functioning IRA in these 46 patients being 4.1 years (range, 6.2 months-12.7 years). An additional 13 patients required preanastomotic resection and neo-IRA, and 11 required proximal small bowel resection. The mean duration of function of all 118 IRAs was 9.2 years. At the time of review, after a mean follow-up of 9.5 years, 72 patients (61 percent) retained a functioning IRA, with 44 being free of disease, while 28 were being treated with steroids or antidiarrheal medication. The mean stool frequency was 4.7 per day. In patients with Crohn's colitis, IRA should be considered as an alternative to proctocolectomy if the rectum is not severely diseased and sphincter function is not compromised.

Temporary diverting loop ileostomy is a generally accepted component of the ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) procedure. Ileostomy closure is usually performed within two to three months but may be delayed because of disruption of the ileonanal anastomosis, suspected leak from the ileal reservoir, concomitant medical problems, or patient convenience. Of 362 patients undergoing IPAA at The Cleveland Clinic Foundation for inflammatory bowel disease, 10 have had their ileostomy closures delayed for more than six months. Clinical and manometric parameters are examined in these patients and compared with those who had earlier closure. There appears to be no significant difference in the functional outcome of IPAA in these patients in terms of number of bowel movements and degree of continence. Reservoir compliance and maximum tolerated volumes are similar. We conclude that delaying ileostomy closure for more than six months after IPAA has no deleterious effect on pouch function.

The frequency of defecation, leakage, maximum resting pressure, and maximum squeeze pressure of the anal canal, maximum tolerated volume, and pouch compliance were evaluated in 116 consecutive patients following total proctocolectomy (TPC) with ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) and after temporary ileostomy closure. Sixty-nine patients had a double ileal loop pouch ("J") and 47 a triple ("S") design. Seventy patients had mucosal proctectomy and hand-sewn IPAA (mucosectomy) and 46 a stapled IPAA without mucosal proctectomy (stapled). Fifty percent of the S and 30% of the J pouch patients did not have nocturnal defecations. The avoidance of anal manipulation in the stapled group resulted in higher anal canal resting pressures and a lower incidence of leakage. The maximum tolerated volume and compliance was greater in the S pouch group than in the J group. Although the median frequency of defecation was equal in both pouch groups, fewer S pouch patients had nocturnal defecations. Anal canal resting tone may be the primary factor affecting continence following TPC and IPAA, but a compliant pouch may prevent leakage if sphincter function is compromised.