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Aims: To evaluate a whole‐food diet strategy (the Monash Pouch diet [MPD]) designed based on the interacting roles dietary factors play with pouch health. Specifically, its tolerability and acceptability, whether it achieved its dietary and metabolic goals, and the effects on symptoms and inflammation were examined. Methods: In a 6‐week open‐label trial, patients with ileoanal pouches educated on the MPD were assessed regarding diet tolerability and acceptance, food intake (7‐day food diaries), pouch‐related symptoms (clinical pouchitis disease activity index), and, in 24‐h fecal samples, calprotectin, fermentative biomarkers, and volatile organic compounds (VOC). Results: Of 12 patients, 6 male, mean (SD) age 55 (5) and pouch age 13 (2) years, one withdrew with partial small bowel obstruction. Tolerability was excellent in 9 (75%) and acceptance was high (81%). Targeted changes in dietary intake were achieved. Fecal branched‐ to short‐chain fatty acid ratio increased by median 60 [IQR: 11–80]% (P = 0.02). Fecal VOCs for 3 compounds were also increased, 2‐methyl‐5‐propan‐2‐ylcyclohexa‐1,3‐diene (Fold‐change [FC] 2.08), 1,3,3‐trimethyl‐2‐oxabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (FC 3.86), propan‐2‐ol (FC 2.10). All six symptomatic patients achieved symptomatic remission (P = 0.03). Fecal calprotectin at baseline was 292 [176–527] μg/g and at week 5 was 205 [148–310] μg/g (P = 0.72). Conclusion: Well tolerated and accepted, the MPD achieved targeted changes in intakes and fermentation of carbohydrates relative to that of protein. There were signals of improvement in symptoms. These results indicate the need for a randomized‐controlled trial. (Trial registration: ACTRN12621000374864; https://www.anzctr.org.au/ACTRN12621000374864.aspx). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of review: Pouchitis is common after restorative proctocolectomy and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis in patients with underlying ulcerative colitis. A majority of patients with acute antibiotic-responsive pouchitis develop chronic antibiotic-dependent pouchitis or antibiotic-refractory pouchitis. Contributing factors for chronic pouchitis include Clostridium difficile infection, the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, concurrent autoimmune disorders, surgical ischemia, and fecal stasis from structural or functional pouch outlet obstruction. Chronic antibiotic-refractory pouchitis is considered one of "difficult-to-treat" inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Recent findings: While acute pouchitis often responds to oral antibiotic therapy, chronic pouchitis usually requires induction and maintenance therapy. Biological agents, particularly vedolizumab, may be used for the treatment of chronic pouchitis. The role of small molecule agents in the treatment of chronic pouchitis warrants further investigation. Fecal microbiota transplant, though effective in the eradication of Clostridium difficile of the pouch, has a limited therapeutic role in the management of chronic pouchitis. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy showed promising effects on chronic pouchitis. Summary: Pouchitis represents a disease spectrum ranging from acute antibiotic-responsive to chronic antibiotic-refractory phenotypes. The treatment of chronic antibiotic-refractory pouchitis is similar to that of IBD, with confounding factors from surgery-associated ischemia and concurrent autoimmune disorders, particularly primary sclerosing cholangitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pouchitis is the most common complication following restorative proctocolectomy and ileal pouch–anal anastomosis (IPAA) for ulcerative colitis (UC). Fecal calprotectin (FC) is a noninvasive indicator of the intestinal inflammatory status. This study was conducted to evaluate the clinical value of the FC concentration for the diagnosis and risk assessment of pouchitis. This retrospective study involved patients who underwent IPAA for UC at Tianjin Medical University General Hospital from January 2015 to January 2019. The patients were categorized into pouchitis and non-pouchitis groups based on their Pouchitis Disease Activity Index (PDAI) score. Laboratory indicators, including the FC concentration, were collected from both groups. Sixty-six patients with UC after IPAA were included in the study and divided into the non-pouchitis group (n = 40) and pouchitis group (n = 26). The correlation coefficient between the FC concentration and the PDAI score was 0.651 (p < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that the FC cut-off value for predicting pouchitis was 579.60 μg/g (area under the curve, 0.938). The patients were then divided into three subgroups according to their PDAI score (0–2, 3–6, and ≥7), and significant differences in the FC concentration were found among the three subgroups. The best FC cut-off value for predicting a high risk of pouchitis (PDAI score of 3–6) was 143.25 μg/g (area under the curve, 0.876). FC is a useful biomarker in patients with pouchitis. Patients are advised to regularly undergo FC measurement to monitor for pouchitis. An FC concentration in the range of 143.25–579.60 μg/g is predictive of a high risk for pouchitis, and further examination and preventive treatment are necessary in such patients. Fecal calprotectin can be used to quantify pouch inflammation. Fecal calprotectin can be used to predict a high risk of pouchitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pouchitis is a common complication of restorative proctocolectomy and ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) for ulcerative colitis (UC), significantly affecting the postoperative quality of life. Paneth cells play an important role in the maintenance of gut homeostasis. This study aimed to investigate the role of Paneth cells in the pathogenesis of pouchitis. Method: Endoscopic biopsies from the pouch body and terminal ileum of UC patients undergoing IPAA with or without pouchitis were obtained to analyze Paneth cell function. Acute pouchitis was induced with 5% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) for seven consecutive days in a rat model of IPAA. The Paneth cell morphology was examined by immunofluorescence and electron microscopy. The effect of exogenous lysozyme supplementation on pouchitis was also investigated. The fecal microbiota profile after DSS and lysozyme treatment was determined by 16s rRNA ITS2 sequence analysis. Result: Abnormal mucosal lysozyme expression was observed in patients with pouchitis. The rat model of pouchitis showed increased pouch inflammation, increased CD3+ and CD45+ T cell infiltration, and decreased tight junction proteins, including ZO-1 and Occludin. There is a significant deficiency of Paneth cell-derived lysozyme granules in the rat model of pouchitis. Supplementation with exogenous lysozyme significantly ameliorated pouchitis, lowering the levels of inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6 in the pouch tissue. 16s rRNA analysis revealed a higher Lachnospiraceae level after lysosome treatment. Conclusions: Paneth cell dysfunction is prominent in patients and rat models of pouchitis and may be one of its causes. The decrease in Lachnospiraceae, a characteristic of dysbiosis in pouchitis, could be reserved by lysosome treatment. Lysozyme supplementation shows promise as a novel treatment strategy for pouchitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This systematic review explored different medications and methods for prevention and treatment of pouchitis after restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA). Methods: PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for randomized clinical trials that assessed prevention or treatment of pouchitis. The systematic review was reported in line with updated 2020 PRISMA guidelines. Risk of bias in the trials included was assessed using the ROB-2 tool and certainty of evidence was assessed using GRADE. The main outcomes were the incidence of new pouchitis episodes in the preventative studies and resolution or improvement of active pouchitis in the treatment studies. Results: Fifteen randomized trials were included. A meta-analysis of 7 trials on probiotics revealed significantly lower odds of pouchitis with the use of probiotics (RR: 0.26, 95% CI: 0.16–0.42, I2 = 20%, p < 0.001) and similar odds of adverse effects to placebo (RR: 2.43, 95% CI: 0.11–55.9, I2 = 0, p = 0.579). One trial investigated the prophylactic role of allopurinol in preventing pouchitis and found a comparable incidence of pouchitis in the two groups (31% vs 28%; p = 0.73). Seven trials assessed different treatments for active pouchitis. One recorded the resolution of pouchitis in all patients treated with ciprofloxacin versus 67% treated with metronidazole. Both budesonide enema and oral metronidazole were associated with similar significant improvement in pouchitis (58.3% vs 50%, p = 0.67). Rifaximin, adalimumab, fecal microbiota transplantation, and bismuth carbomer foam enema were not effective in treating pouchitis. Conclusions: Probiotics are effective in preventing pouchitis after IPAA. Antibiotics, including ciprofloxacin and metronidazole, are likely effective in treating active pouchitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: There is minimal evidence regarding the comparative effectiveness of individual antibiotics in the treatment of pouchitis. We sought to evaluate the comparative effectiveness of ciprofloxacin monotherapy, metronidazolemonotherapy, and combination therapy (ciprofloxacin and metronidazole) in the treatment of an initial episode of pouchitis after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for ulcerative colitis (UC). METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study in TriNetX, a global federated research network of electronic health records. Primary outcomes were failure of initial antibiotic therapy and the development of recurrent pouchitis in the first 12 months after an initial episode of pouchitis. One-to-one propensity score matching was performed for age, sex, race, primary sclerosing cholangitis, nicotine dependence, obesity, and previous exposure to tumor necrosis factor inhibitors between the cohorts. RESULTS: Among 271 patients who developed pouchitis (mean age at ileal pouch-anal anastomosis 35.8 years, male sex57%) and were treated with ciprofloxacin, metronidazole, or combination therapy, 190 (70%) developed recurrent pouchitis. After propensity score matching, there was no significant difference in the odds of early relapse or nonresponse with ciprofloxacin compared with metronidazole monotherapy (adjusted odds ratio 0.56, 95% confidence interval 0.23-1.34) or when either monotherapy was compared with combination therapy. There was also no significant difference in odds of recurrent pouchitis when comparing patients treated with ciprofloxacin with metronidazole monotherapy (adjusted odds ratio 0.86, 95% confidence interval 0.40-1.84) or either monotherapy with combination therapy. DISCUSSION: In this retrospective cohort study, we demonstrated no significant difference in the real-world effectiveness of ciprofloxacin, metronidazole, or combination therapy for the initial episode of pouchitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Total abdominal proctocolectomy with ileal pouch--anal anastomosis (IPAA) for ulcerative colitis (UC) is associated with substantial complications despite the benefits of managing refractory and/or neoplasia-associated disease. For the purpose of this review, we focused on the diagnosis of some of the most common inflammatory and structural pouch disorders and their respective management. Pouchitis is the most common complication, and it is typically responsive to antibiotics. However, chronic antibiotic refractory pouchitis (CARP) has been increasingly recognized, and biologic therapies have emerged as the mainstay of therapy. Crohn's-like disease of the pouch (CLDP) can affect up to 10% of patients with UC after IPAA. Medical options are similar to CARP therapies, including biologicswith immunomodulators. Studies have shown higher efficacy rates of biologics for CLDP when compared with those for CARP. In addition,managing stricturing and fistulizing CLDP is challenging and often requires interventional endoscopy (balloon dilation and/or stricturotomy) and/or surgery. The implementation of standardized diagnostic criteria for inflammatory pouch disorders will help in advancing future therapeutic options. Structural pouch disorders are commonly related to surgical complications after IPAA. We focused on the diagnosis and management of anastomotic leaks, strictures, and floppy pouch complex. Anastomotic leaks and anastomotic strictures occur in approximately 15%and11%of patientswithUCafter IPAA, respectively. Further complications frompouch leaks include the development of sinuses, fistulas, and pouch sepsis requiring excision. Novel endoscopic interventions and less invasive surgical procedures have emerged as options for the management of these disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gut microbiota play a pivotal role in human health. Dysbiosis, alterations in microbiota composition and function, is associated with gastrointestinal disorders, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This international survey aimed to assess physicians' experiences, perceptions, and practices related to microbiome modulation for gastrointestinal conditions, with a focus on IBD. Results from 142 healthcare professionals, predominantly gastroenterologists, confirmed a consensus on the relevance of the gut microbiota in IBD pathogenesis. However, the utilization of microbial composition analysis and probiotics in clinical practice was limited, primarily due to the lack of standardized guidelines and supporting evidence. Physicians held conflicting views on antibiotics, recognizing their potential for inducing remission but also causing flares in IBD. Respondents also had varying opinions on the efficacy of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) for different gastrointestinal conditions, with higher confidence in FMT effectiveness for irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea, pouchitis, and ulcerative colitis. Concerns on FMT included uncertainty about effect duration, administration intervals, and conflicting evidence. Donor selection was believed to be a crucial factor in FMT outcomes. This survey highlights the need for further research and evidence-based guidelines to optimize the use of microbiome-based therapies in clinical practice. As our understanding of the gut microbiome continues to evolve, these insights will contribute to more informed and personalized approaches to managing gastrointestinal disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: Restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch–anal anastomosis (RPC-IPAA) is usually preferred surgical treatment for ulcerative colitis (UC). Although treated primarily medically, some refractory and complicated cases of UC may require surgical intervention. It eliminates chronic UC and the risk of colonic cancer. This research aims to study the risk factors associated with the development of postoperative complications. Methodology: For this cohort study, we included all the patients who underwent RPC-IPAA in the Department of Gastroenterology, Sheth Vadilal Sarabhai General Hospital, Ahmedabad, over 6 years. Data of the patients were obtained retrospectively from the medical records. We collected the data and analyzed using appropriate statistical tests to look for preoperative patient variables associated with late complications. Late complications were defined as those developed after 1 month. Results: Out of 32 patients, 19 were male and 13 were female, with an average age of 32.3 years at the time of operation. Thirteen patients developed complications such as pouchitis (n = 6), incisional hernia (n = 3), bowel obstruction (n = 2), pouch leakage (n = 1), and erectile dysfunction (n = 1). We found serum albumin <3 mg/dl and pancolitis associated with more postoperative late complications with P = 0.007 and 0.04, respectively, which is statistically significant. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that low preoperative albumin level and pancolitis are risk factors for late complications of IPAA. Preoperative nutritional support, especially albumin, could reduce late complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ileal pouch surgery is the surgical gold standard treatment for patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). However, ileal pouch surgery is a technically challenging procedure and is associated with high morbidity. Clinical presentations of pouch complications are often nonspecific but imaging can identify many of these complications and is essential in clinical management. This paper will focus on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the ileal pouch, including recommended MRI protocol and approach to imaging interpretation with an emphasis on those ileal pouch complications particularly well evaluated with MRI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background and Aims: We conducted a systematic review to assess medical therapy for the treatment and prevention of pouchitis. Methods: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of medical therapy in adults with or without pouchitis were searched to March 2022. Primary outcomes included clinical remission/response, maintenance of remission and prevention of pouchitis. Results: Twenty RCTs (N = 830) were included. Acute pouchitis: One study compared ciprofloxacin with metronidazole. At 2 weeks, 100% (7/7) of ciprofloxacin participants achieved remission, compared with 67% (6/9) of metronidazole participants (RR: 1.44, 95% CI: 0.88–2.35, very low certainty evidence). One study compared budesonide enemas with oral metronidazole. Fifty percent (6/12) of budesonide participants achieved remission compared with 43% (6/14) of metronidazole participants (RR: 1.17, 95% CI: 0.51–2.67, low certainty evidence). Chronic pouchitis: Two studies (n = 76) assessed De Simone Formulation. Eighty‐five percent (34/40) of De Simone Formulation participants maintained remission at 9–12 months compared with 3% (1/36) placebo participants (RR: 18.50, 95% CI: 3.86–88.56, moderate certainty evidence). One study assessed vedolizumab. Thirty‐one percent (16/51) of vedolizumab participants achieved clinical remission at 14 weeks compared with 10% (5/51) of placebo participants (RR: 3.20, 95% CI: 1.27–8.08, moderate certainty evidence). Prophylaxis: Two studies assessed De Simone Formulation. Ninety percent (18/20) of De Simone Formulation participants did not develop pouchitis compared with 60% (12/20) of placebo participants (RR: 1.50, 95% CI: 1.02–2.21, moderate certainty evidence). Conclusions: Apart from vedolizumab and the De Simone formulation, the effects of other medical interventions for pouchitis are uncertain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Chronic inflammatory conditions of the pouch are common after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) for ulcerative colitis (UC). Aims: We aimed to investigate the relationship between acute pouchitis within 180 days of the final stage of IPAA surgery (very early pouchitis) and the future development of chronic antibiotic dependent pouchitis (CADP) and Crohn's-like disease of the pouch (CLDP). Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study, evaluating patients who underwent proctocolectomy with IPAA between January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2016. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the relationship between very early pouchitis and the development of CADP and CLDP. Results: Among 626 patients undergoing IPAA for UC, 137 (22%) developed very early pouchitis, 75 (12%) developed CADP, and 59 (9%) developed CLDP in a median follow-up of 5.18 years (interquartile range 0.94–10.8 years). Very early pouchitis was associated with a significant increase in the odds of developing CADP (adjusted odds ratio [aOR3.65, 95% CI 2.19–6.10) as was primary sclerosing cholangitis (aOR 3.97, 95% CI 1.44–11.0). Very early pouchitis was associated with increased odds for developing CLDP (aOR 2.77, 95% CI 1.54–4.98) along with a family history of inflammatory bowel disease (aOR 2.10, 95% CI 1.11–3.96). Conclusion: In this cohort, very early pouchitis was associated with an increased risk of developing CADP and CLDP. These findings highlight very early pouchitis as a unique risk factor for chronic inflammatory conditions of the pouch and the need for future studies evaluating potential strategies for secondary prophylaxis strategies in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: There is a paucity of validated measures to evaluate how patients feel and function after restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) for ulcerative colitis. We performed a systematic review to evaluate all published patient reported outcomes (PROs) to assess symptom burden, functional status, and quality of life (QoL) after IPAA. Methods: An electronic literature search on PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science was performed from inception through October 12, 2021. Eligible full texts were further characterized by the type of assessment as well as the individual domains assessed by questions in the PRO measure. Results: Among the 129 full texts analyzed, 51 specific PRO measures were utilized. In the evaluation of all PRO measures, 46% included an assessment of disease-specific QoL with 27% evaluating more general QoL, and 15% assessing symptoms related to pouch function. Among the studies using disease-specific instruments, the Cleveland Clinic Global Quality of Life (42%) and the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (21%) were the most commonly used PRO measures. PRO questions were mapped to individual domains using binning methodology, with the greatest number of questions from individual PRO measures mapped to the bowel function domain (122). Conclusion: In our assessment of PRO measures among patients after IPAA, the studies and individual measures varied widely in both the patient populations being evaluated as well as outcomes and specific domains being assessed. A valid measure that assesses the range of outcomes after IPAA could standardize assessment and advance the study of patients after IPAA.

Background and Aims: Pouchitis is the most common long-term complication after ileal-pouch anal anastomosis in patients with ulcerative colitis. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the safety and efficacy of fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) in chronic antibiotic dependent and refractory pouchitis. Methods: Multiple databases were searched through April 2022 for studies that reported the efficacy and safety of FMT in patients with chronic pouchitis. Meta-analysis using random effects model was performed to calculate pooled rates. Results: Eight studies with a total of 89 patients were included in our review, with 74 patients having received FMT and 15 patients having received placebo. The mean age ranged from 32.6 to 51.5 years. In patients that received FMT, the pooled rates of overall remission was (Pouchitis Disease Activity Index score < 7) 22% (95% CI, 9%–43%; I2, 29%), clinical remission was 20% (95% CI, 6%–49%; I2, 25%), clinical response rate was 42% (95% CI, 30%–54%; I2, 7%), and the relapse rate 60% (95% CI, 40%–77%, I2 16%) over the mean follow up of 4.67 months (range 1–12 months). The pooled proportion of patients with adverse events was 54% (95% CI, 21%–84%; I2, 73%). There were no serious adverse events or deaths. Conclusion: In patients with chronic pouchitis, FMT is safe though there are mixed results in terms of its long-term efficacy. Future Randomized Controlled Trials with larger sample sizes and greater standardization in terms of preparation, delivery, and length of treatment of FMT are needed to determine efficacy.

Background: Pouchitis is the most frequent complication following restorative proctocolectomy and ileal pouch anal anastomosis (RP-IPAA) in patients with Ulcerative colitis (UC). Pediatric data on nutritional status during RP-IPAA and in patients with pouchitis are limited. Aims: We aimed to delineate nutritional changes in children undergoing 2-stage and 3-stage surgeries and to evaluate the association between nutrition and the development of recurrent or chronic pouchitis. Methods: This single-center retrospective study involved 46 children with UC who underwent a RP-IPAA. Data were collected at each surgical stage and for up to 2-year post-ileostomy takedown. We used Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank test to evaluate the differences in nutritional markers across surgical stages and logistic regression to identify the factors associated with recurrent or chronic pouchitis. Results: Twenty patients (43.5%) developed recurrent or chronic pouchitis. Children who underwent a 3-stage procedure had improvements in albumin, hematocrit, and body mass index (BMI)-for-age Z-scores (p < 0.01) between the first two stages. A positive trend in BMI-for-age Z-scores (p = 0.08) was identified in children with 2-stage procedures. All patients showed sustained nutritional improvement during the follow-up period. Among patients who underwent 3-stage surgeries, BMI worsened by 0.8 standard deviations (SDs) (p = 0.24) between the initial stages in those who developed recurrent or chronic pouchitis and improved by 1.1 SDs (p = 0.04) in those who did not. Conclusions: Early improvement in BMI-for-age Z-scores following the initial stage was associated with lower rates of recurrent or chronic pouchitis. Larger prospective studies are needed to validate these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In medically refractory Ulcerative Colitis (UC), proctocolectomy with ileoanal pouch procedure (IAPP) is the preferred continence‐preserving surgical option. Functional outcomes post‐surgery and long‐term complication rates in the biologic era remain ambiguous. This review primarily aims to provide an update on these outcomes. Secondarily, risk factors associated with chronic pouchitis and pouch failure are explored. Methods: Two online databases (MEDLINE and EMBASE) were searched on 4 October 2022 for English studies from 2011‐present relating to long‐term outcomes of IAPP in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. Adult patients with 12 month follow‐up were included. Studies focused on 30‐day post‐operative outcomes, non‐IBD patients or studies including less than 30 patients were excluded. Results: Following screening and full‐text review of 1094 studies, 49 were included. Median sample size was n = 282 (IQR: 116–519). Median incidences for chronic pouchitis and pouch failure were 17.1% (IQR: 12–23.6%) and 6.9% (IQR: 4.8–10.8%), respectively. Upon multivariate analysis, chronic pouchitis development was most significantly associated with pre‐operative steroid use, pancolitis and extra‐intestinal IBD manifestations, whilst pouch failure was most significantly associated with pre‐operative diagnosis of Crohn's disease (compared to UC), peri‐operative pelvic sepsis and anastomotic leak. Overall patient satisfaction was very high with four included studies reporting greater than 90% satisfaction rates. Conclusion: Long‐term complications for IAPP were common. However, despite this, patient satisfaction post‐IAPP was high. Up‐to‐date knowledge of complication rates and their risk factors improves pre‐operative counselling, management planning and patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brandon M Shore,1 Bharati Kochar,2,3 Hans H Herfarth,4,5 Edward L Barnes4,5 1Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; 2Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; 3The Mongan Institute, Boston, MA, USA; 4Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; 5Center for Gastrointestinal Biology and Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USACorrespondence: Edward L Barnes, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Campus Box #7080, 130 Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7080, USA, Tel +1 919-962-3112, Fax +1 919-966-6842, Email edward_barnes@med.unc.eduAbstract: The population of older patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is expected to continue to increase in the coming decades, which necessitates and improved understanding of the critical issues faced by patients in this population. Although restorative proctocolectomy with IPAA remains the surgical procedure of choice for the majority of patients with medically refractory ulcerative colitis (UC) and UC-related dysplasia, the evidence surrounding surgery for older patients UC remains sparse. In particular, comparisons of outcomes among older and younger patients undergoing IPAA and comparisons between older patients undergoing IPAA and those undergoing proctocolectomy with end ileostomy remain an understudied and important issue, as evidence in this area will be used to guide patient-centered surgical choices among older patients who require colectomy for UC. In this narrative review, we review the available literature regarding IPAA for older patients, as well as the pre-, peri-, and postoperative factors that may influence outcomes in this population.Keywords: pouchitis, surgery, older age, ulcerative colitis, J-pouch

BACKGROUND: To date, a few studies indicated that probiotics are beneficial to pouchitis, but no meta-analyses summarized the outcomes of probiotics in pouchitis in detail. OBJECTIVE: This meta-analysis discusses probiotics in the prevention of pouchitis for patients after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) and the relationship between probiotics preventive effect and the duration of therapy and history. METHODS: PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases were searched from inception until February 2022. Risk ratio (RR), mean difference (MD) and their 95% confidence interval (CI) were analyzed by Review Manager 5.3. The subgroup analysis was also performed to explore the agent for influencing outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 8 studies were included in this meta-analysis. The incidence of pouchitis in probiotics was significantly lower than that in the control (RR = 0.19, 95%CI [0.12, 0.32], P ⁢ ï ⁢ ¼ ⁢ œ 0.00001), and the PDAI (pouchitis disease activity index) in probiotics was also significantly lower (MD = - 5.65, 95%CI [ - 9.48, - 1.83]). After the subgroup analysis, we found that probiotics work better in the short-term (RR = 0.12, 95%CI [0.04, 0.40], P = 0.0004), but may not achieve the desired effect in the long-term (RR = 1.20, 95%CI [0.40, 3.60], P = 0.75). CONCLUSIONS: Probiotics are beneficial in the prevention of pouchitis after IPAA, especially in the short-term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) is the surgical gold standard in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). Results are generally satisfactory but there is a significant rate of patients who experience postoperative complications. The aims of our study were to identify the pre- and intraoperative risk factors and their correlation with the reported outcomes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on the medical records of all consecutive patients undergoing restorative proctocolectomy with IPAA for UC in our center from 2010 to 2021. Pre- and intraoperative factors were examined and correlated with pouchitis, endoscopic pouchitis, pouch failure, anastomotic leak, postoperative complications classified according to Clavien-Dindo score and stoma outlet obstruction. A univariate and multivariate statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS: Out of 75 patients undergoing 3- or 2-stage IPAA surgery, the coexistence of extraintestinal clinical manifestations and preoperative topical rectal stump therapy for active proctitis were significantly associated with the occurrence of pouchitis (OR=4.4, p=0.03 and OR=7.6, p=0.01). Endoscopic pouchitis was found to be related to preoperative topical rectal therapy (OR=10.2, p=0.007), but not to extraintestinal manifestations of disease. Anastomotic leak was found to be significantly related to pouch failure (OR=22.7, p=0.007). Surgical indication for malignancy increased the risk for early complications (Clavien-Dindo >2) (OR=16.0, p=0.04). Young age was associated with the occurrence of outlet stoma obstruction in patients with recent IPAA surgery (OR=0.97, p=0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Based on observed results, an appropriate preoperative patient assessment aimed at detecting specific risk factors is crucial to identify early or prevent worse outcomes in patients undergoing IPAA surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pouchitis is a common complication of restorative proctocolectomy and ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) for ulcerative colitis (UC), significantly affecting the postoperative quality of life. Paneth cells play an important role in the maintenance of gut homeostasis. This study aimed to investigate the role of Paneth cells in the pathogenesis of pouchitis. Method: Endoscopic biopsies from the pouch body and terminal ileum of UC patients undergoing IPAA with or without pouchitis were obtained to analyze Paneth cell function. Acute pouchitis was induced with 5% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) for seven consecutive days in a rat model of IPAA. The Paneth cell morphology was examined by immunofluorescence and electron microscopy. The effect of exogenous lysozyme supplementation on pouchitis was also investigated. The fecal microbiota profile after DSS and lysozyme treatment was determined by 16s rRNA ITS2 sequence analysis. Result: Abnormal mucosal lysozyme expression was observed in patients with pouchitis. The rat model of pouchitis showed increased pouch inflammation, increased CD3+ and CD45+ T cell infiltration, and decreased tight junction proteins, including ZO-1 and Occludin. There is a significant deficiency of Paneth cell-derived lysozyme granules in the rat model of pouchitis. Supplementation with exogenous lysozyme significantly ameliorated pouchitis, lowering the levels of inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6 in the pouch tissue. 16s rRNA analysis revealed a higher Lachnospiraceae level after lysosome treatment. Conclusions: Paneth cell dysfunction is prominent in patients and rat models of pouchitis and may be one of its causes. The decrease in Lachnospiraceae, a characteristic of dysbiosis in pouchitis, could be reserved by lysosome treatment. Lysozyme supplementation shows promise as a novel treatment strategy for pouchitis.

Management of ulcerative colitis after surgery suggested by guidelines (total proctocolectomy with ileal-pouch anal anastomosis) is a big challenge for physicians because patients who believed that their disease had been cured started experiencing very uncomfortable symptoms repeatedly. A high number of patients develop episodes of pouchitis, which is a non-specific inflammation of the pouch whose etiology is unknown. Antibiotics are the elective treatment for acute pouchitis, but regarding chronic pouchitis, this condition is very complicated to treat due to the absence of well-designed specific studies for this group of patients. Antibiotics, budesonide, and biological therapies are some of the recommended drugs for these patients, but despite their use, some need a permanent ileostomy.

Purpose of Review: Restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for ulcerative colitis has been associated with multiple short- and long-term complications. In this review, we examine the role of biomarkers, imaging, and pouchoscopy in the assessment of patients after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis, with a particular focus on the emergence of novel biomarkers and techniques for evaluating and risk stratifying patients after this procedure in the hopes of improving outcomes in this specific population. Recent Findings: There are indications that that the incidence of pouchitis may be increasing in recent decades. Calprotectin and other non-invasive imaging tests such as ultrasound may offer advantages in distinguishing patients with inflammatory conditions of the pouch from other etiologies. In the search for other biomarkers that may identify patients at risk for inflammatory conditions of the pouch, the stool microbiota and metabolomics may play a key role in identifying those patients at greatest risk for complications. Summary: Advances in biomarkers, imaging, and standardized pouchoscopy scoring offer immediate improvements in clinical care and will prompt future research efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Total proctocolectomy with ileal pouch is the surgical procedure of choice for ulcerative colitis refractory to medical treatment, and pouchitis is the most frequent complication. It can affect up to 50% of patients in the first five years of the procedure. Although the etiology is not well established, its manifestation could be related to dysbiosis resulting from fecal stasis in genetically susceptible individuals with altered immune responses. Typical symptoms of pouchitis, such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, tenesmus, urgency, fecal incontinence, and, less commonly, rectal bleeding, are nonspecific, and the diagnosis must be confirmed by endoscopic and histologic examination. Cytomegalovirus infection is an infrequent cause of pouchitis; however, it should be considered in patients with pouchitis refractory to initial antibiotic management. Diagnostic tests include serological tests such as the measurement of antibodies, antigenemia, and C-reactive protein (CRP) in blood. The treatment of choice is ganciclovir, an intravenous drug that can induce severe complications such as myelosuppression, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia. Post-treatment endoscopic follow-up is recommended to ensure mucosal healing, especially when there is suspicion of Crohn's disease or involvement of the afferent loop on initial endoscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) undergoing proctocolectomy and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) may eventually require biologic therapy. Factors associated with biologic therapy after IPAA have not been previously studied., Methods: All patients with UC after total proctocolectomy and IPAA who were followed at Rabin Medical Center comprehensive pouch clinic and who consented to prospective observational follow-up were included. The primary outcome was the initiation of biologic therapy after IPAA. Cox proportional hazard models were used to evaluate potential associations., Results: Out of 400 patients receiving their care at the pouch clinic, 148 patients consented to prospective observational follow-up and constituted the study cohort. The median age at diagnosis was 21 years and the age at IPAA was 30 years. Median time-to-biologic therapy initiation post-IPAA was 9.2 years, with 34 patients (23%) initiating biologic therapy: Associated factors for initiating biologic therapy post-IPAA were preoperative treatment with biologic therapy and immunomodulatory therapy (hazard ratio [HR] 6.1 and 3.6, respectively, P < .001); Arab descent (HR 5.3, P < .001); heterozygosity of NOD2 variant rs2066845 (HR 5.1, P = .03); past smoking status (HR 2.3, P = .03); 3-stage IPAA (HR 2.3, P = .02); immediate postoperative complications (HR 2.1, P = .033); and pediatric-onset UC (HR 2.1, P = .03). None of the patients undergoing IPAA due to dysplasia (n = 27) required biologic therapy., Conclusions: Several demographic, disease-related, surgery-related, and genetic factors associated with post-IPAA biologic therapy were identified. Physicians treating patients with UC undergoing colectomy should incorporate these factors into their decision-making process. These patients may benefit from closer postoperative follow-up, and earlier initiation of biologic therapy should be considered., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. All rights reserved. For commercial re-use, please contact reprints@oup.com for reprints and translation rights for reprints. All other permissions can be obtained through our RightsLink service via the Permissions link on the article page on our site—for further information please contact journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Background and Aims: Inflammatory pouch disorders exhibit a heterogeneous clinical spectrum and therapeutic requirements have not been properly studied., Methods: This retrospective, multicentre study included ulcerative colitis patients with ileal pouch construction and were later diagnosed with an inflammatory pouch disorder between 1995 and 2020. Classifications, behaviour and therapies applied were recorded and compared in the long-term., Results: Overall, 338 patients were recruited. The most common disorders were pouchitis (n = 258, 76%), Crohn's disease of the pouch (n = 55, 16%) and cuffitis (n = 25, 7%). Pouchitis presented mainly as chronic (65.2%) and recurrent (87%) forms. Crohn's disease manifested as stricturing/penetrating in 53% of cases and perianal disease in 42%. Patients received multiple therapies: 86% antibiotics, 42% steroids, 27% immunosuppressants, 43% biologics and 27% surgery. Compared with pouchitis, Crohn's disease of the pouch was characterised by a later diagnosis (99 vs. 55 months, p < 0.001) and greater needs for immunosuppressants (OR 3.53, 1.79-6.94, p < 0.0001), biologics (OR 5.45, 2.78-10.6, p < 0.0001) and surgeries (OR 2.65, 1.43-4.89, p < 0.001)., Conclusions: Chronic pouchitis is the most common pouch disorder presentation. These entities have diverse therapeutics requirements, particularly for Crohn's disease of the pouch., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest F. Mesonero has served as a speaker for and received consulting fees from MSD, AbbVie, Takeda, Janssen, Pfizer, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Kern Pharma, Dr. Falk Pharma, Galapagos, Chiesi Farmaceutici and Faes Farma. - Y. Zabana has received support for conference attendance, speaker fees, research support and consulting fees from AbbVie, Adacyte Therapeutics, Almirall, Amgen, Dr. Falk Pharma, Faes Farma, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Janssen, MSD, Otsuka, Pfizer, Shire, Takeda, Galapagos, Boehringer Ingelheim and Tillotts Pharma AG. - A. Fernández-Clotet has served as a speaker for and received educational funding from Dr. Falk Pharma, Janssen, Takeda, Chiesi Farmaceutici and Pfizer. - B. Caballol has served as a speaker for and received consulting fees from MSD, AbbVie, Janssen, Takeda, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Shire Pharmaceuticals and Faes Pharma. - E. Leo-Carnerero has served as a speaker and consultant for and received educational funding from AbbVie, Janssen, Takeda, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Gilead, Pfizer and Dr. Falk Pharma. - M. J. García has received financial support for travel and educational activities from Janssen, Pfizer, AbbVie, Takeda, Kern Pharma, Faes Farma and Ferring Pharmaceuticals. - R. Ferreiro-Iglesias has received support for conference attendance, speaker fees, research support and consulting fees from AbbVie, Adacyte Therapeutics, Dr. Falk Pharma, Faes Farma, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Janssen, MSD, Kern, Chiesi Farmaceutici, Gebro Pharma, Pfizer, Shire, Takeda and Tillotts Pharma AG. - M. Calafat has received support for conference attendance, speaker fees, research support and consulting fees from AbbVie, Adacyte Therapeutics, Dr. Falk Pharma, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Janssen, Pfizer, Takeda, Gilead, Chiesi Farmaceutici and Tillotts Pharma AG. - J. Miranda has received support for conference attendance, speaker fees and consulting and advisory fees from AbbVie, Adacyte Therapeutics, Dr. Falk Pharma, Faes Farma, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Janssen, Pfizer, Takeda and Tillotts Pharma AG. - L. Torrealba has served as a speaker for and received educational funding from AbbVie, Janssen, Takeda, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Gilead, Pfizer, Dr. Falk Pharma and Tillotts Pharma AG. - R. Sáiz-Chumillas has served as a speaker for and received consulting fees from Janssen, Ferring Pharmaceuticals and Faes Farma. - A. López has received support for conference attendance, educational funding and speaker fees from Chiesi Farmaceutici, AbbVie, Janssen, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Takeda, Pfizer and Tillotts Pharma AG. - C. Rubín de Célix has received educational funding from Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Tillotts Pharma AG, AbbVie, Norgine, MSD, Pfizer, Takeda and Janssen and is supported by a grant from the Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Río Hortega CM21/00025) and co-financed by the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) ‘Co-financed by the European Union’. - E. Brunet has served as a speaker and consultant for and received educational funding from Janssen, Takeda, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Kern Pharma, AbbVie and Chiesi Farmaceutici. - A. Hernández has served as a speaker for and received educational funding from AbbVie, Takeda, Kern Pharma, Pfizer, Janssen, Adacyte Therapeutics, Chiesi Farmaceutici, Galapagos and Ferring Pharmaceuticals. - I. González-Partida has received support for conference attendance and speaker fees from AbbVie, Dr. Falk Pharma, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Janssen, MSD, Kern, Pfizer, Shire, Takeda and Tillotts Pharma AG. - I. Rodríguez-Lago has received financial support for travel and educational activities from or has served as an advisory board member for AbbVie, Adacyte Therapeutics, Celltrion, Chiesi Farmaceutici, Danone, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Faes Farma, Janssen, Galapagos, MSD, Otsuka Pharmaceutical, Pfizer, Roche, Takeda and Tillotts Pharma. I. R.-L. has also received financial support for research from Tillotts Pharma AG and is supported by research grants from Gobierno Vasco – Eusko Jaurlaritza (grant no. 2020111061) and Biobizkaia HRI (grant no. BCB/I/LIB/22/008). - M. C. Rodríguez-Grau has served as a speaker for Takeda, Shire Pharmaceutics and Dr. Falk Pharma and has received education funding from Pfizer, Takeda, Janssen, MSD, Dr. Falk Pharma, Shire Pharmaceutics, Mylan, Norgine, Chiesi Farmaceutici, Faes Farma, Ferring Pharmaceuticals and AbbVie. - A. Elosua has served as a speaker for or has received educational funding from AbbVie, Adacyte Therapeutics, Takeda, Faes Farma, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Janssen and Tillotts Pharma AG. - J. Huguet has received fees for educational activities, research projects, scientific meetings and advisory boards sponsored by MSD, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, AbbVie, Janssen, Biogen, Sandoz, Kern Pharma, Faes Farma and Takeda. - M. Barreiro de Acosta has served as a speaker, consultant and advisory member for and has received research funding from MSD, AbbVie, Janssen, Kern Pharma, Celltrion, Takeda, Gilead, Galapagos, BMS, Celgene, Pfizer, Sandoz, Biogen, Fresenius, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Faes Farma, Dr. Falk Pharma, Chiesi Farmaceutici, Gebro Pharma, Adacyte Therapeutics and Vifor Pharma. Remaining authors declare that they have no known competing financial interest or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Editrice Gastroenterologica Italiana S.r.l. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Approximately 1 in 10 patients with an ileal pouch-anal anastomosis is diagnosed with Crohn's disease of the pouch (CDP). However, this diagnosis may be established inappropriately, as alternative underlying causes necessitating an alternative treatment approach, such as long-term surgical sequelae, may mimic CDP. In this study, we aimed to identify patients diagnosed with and treated for CDP with a (concurrent) alternative diagnosis., Methods: Ulcerative colitis and inflammatory bowel disease unclassified patients who underwent ileal pouch-anal anastomosis surgery in a tertiary center between 1990 and 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with a postoperative diagnosis of CDP for which medical treatment was initiated were identified. Presence of pouchitis, prepouch ileitis, stricture, and fistulas was assessed and histopathological reports were evaluated. Thereafter, cross-sectional images of the pouch in CDP patients were re-evaluated to identify potential long-term surgical sequelae (ie, chronic presacral sinus or perianastomotic fistulas)., Results: After a median postoperative follow-up of 6.2 (interquartile range, 2.3-13.5) years, 47 (10%) of 481 patients were diagnosed with CDP. CDP patients had pouchitis (n = 38 [81%]), prepouch ileitis (n = 34 [74%]), strictures (n = 17 [36%]), fistulas (n = 15 [32%]), or a combination. Multiple granulomas were found in 1 pouch resection specimen. Re-evaluation of 40 (85%) patients who underwent magnetic resonance imaging revealed presence of long-term surgical sequelae in 17 (43%) patients. Six (15%) patients demonstrated isolated nonanastomotic fistulas., Conclusion: Re-evaluation of cross-sectional imaging of the pouch revealed that potential alternative causes were found in nearly half of CDP patients. Cross-sectional imaging is therefore recommended early in the diagnostic pathway to exclude an alternative diagnosis., (© 2023 Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.)

Background: The most common complication following ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) is pouchitis. Our study aimed to investigate the relationship between histopathologic findings of ileitis, granuloma, or transmural inflammation on the colectomy specimen of patients with clinically and endoscopically diagnosed UC and the development of pouchitis within the first 2 years after IPAA. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study evaluating patients undergoing colectomy with IPAA for UC between January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2016. Bivariate analyses were conducted to evaluate the relationship between clinical factors and the development of pouchitis. We performed multivariate logistic regression to evaluate the relationship between histologic, clinical, and demographic factors at the time of colectomy and subsequent development of pouchitis. Results: Among 626 patients, pouchitis occurred in 246 (39%). Patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis were more likely to develop pouchitis (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.81, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02–7.72), as were patients with a family history of inflammatory bowel disease (aOR 1.75, 95% CI 1.11–2.77). Histologic findings of ileitis, granuloma, or transmural inflammation were not associated with an increased odds of developing pouchitis (aOR 0.70, 95% CI 0.45–1.08). Discussion/Conclusion: Patients with ileitis, granulomas, or transmural inflammation at the time of colectomy were not at greater risk for development of pouchitis in the 2 years after IPAA. These pathological findings should not preclude IPAA for UC.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic intestinal mucosal inflammatory disease with complex etiology. Traditional anti-inflammatory treatment regimens have yielded unsatisfactory results. As research continues to deepen, it has been found that the gut microbiota of patients with IBD is generally altered. The presence of microorganisms in the human gastrointestinal tract is inextricably linked to the regulation of health and disease. Disruption of the microbiotic balance of microbiota in the gastrointestinal tract is called dysbiosis, which leads to disease. Therefore, in recent years, the exploration of therapeutic methods to restore the homeostasis of the gut microbiota has attracted attention. Moreover, the use of the well-established fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) regimen for the treatment of Clostridioides difficile infection has attracted the interest of IBD researchers. Therefore, there are an increasing number of clinical studies regarding FMT for IBD treatment. However, a series of questions regarding FMT in the treatment of IBD warrants further investigation and discussion. By reviewing published studies, this review explored hot topics such as the efficacy, safety, and administration protocol flow of FMT in the treatment of IBD. Different administration protocols have generally shown reassuring results with significant efficacy and safety. However, the FMT treatment regimen needs to be further optimized. We believe that in the future, individual customized or standard FMT implementation will further enhance the relevance of FMT in the treatment of IBD.

Pouchitis is the common postoperative complication of ulcerative colitis (UC) and is also considered as inflammatory bowel disease. The aim was to investigate the microbiological and transcriptional differences between the two illnesses. Eighty-five participants were enrolled (37 UC, 15 healthy UC pouches, 15 pouchitis and 18 healthy volunteers) and stool samples were collected. Microbial populations were analyzed by pyrosequencing of 16S ribosomal DNA. Furthermore, transcriptome data of 119 UC and 28 pouch patients were obtained from two data sets for bioinformatics analysis. The results of gut microbiota community analysis showed that with aggravation of UC, intestinal microorganisms were characterized by a gradual decreased in diversity and numbers of butyrate-producing bacteria and Bacteroides. Besides, in addition to the decrease of probiotics, the proliferation of Escherichia–Shigella and Ruminococcus gnavus was observed in pouchitis which is related to multiple infection pathways. The function enrichment of differential expression genes and hub genes, as well as the immunological condition was shown to be distinct using transcriptome bioinformatics analysis between UC and pouchitis. A stronger immune response occurs in UC and may be associated with high expression of tumor necrosis factor and interleukin, while multiple hub genes such as CDK1 in pouchitis are associated with cell cycle regulation. The characteristics of gut microbiota disturbance and transcriptome alteration in UC and pouchitis are different. Our findings suggested that pouchitis may have a unique pathogenesis which was separated from UC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Inflammation of the rectal remnant may affect the postoperative outcome of ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). We aimed to determine the extent of inflammation in the anastomotic area during IPAA and to investigate the impact of proctitis on postoperative complications and long-term outcomes. Methods: Three hundred thirty-four UC patients with primary IPAA were included in this retrospective case–control study. The histopathologic degree of inflammation in the anastomotic area was graded into three stages of no proctitis ("NOP"), mild to medium proctitis ("MIP"), and severe proctitis ("SEP"). Preoperative risk factors, 30-day morbidity, and follow-up data were assessed. Kaplan–Meier analysis was performed in the event of pouch failure. Results: The prevalence of proctitis was high (MIP 40.4%, and SEP 42.8%). During follow-up, the incidence of complications was highest among SEP: resulting in re-intervention (n = 40; 28.2%, p = 0.017), pouchitis (n = 36; 25.2%, p < 0.01), and pouch failure (n = 32; 22.4%, p = 0.032). The time interval to pouch failure was 5.0 (4.0–6.9) years among NOP, and 1.2 (0.5–2.3) years in SEP (p = 0.036). ASA 3, pouchitis, and pouch fistula were independent risk factors for pouch failure. Conclusion: Proctitis at the time of IPAA is common. A high degree of inflammation is associated with poor long-term outcomes, an effect that declines over time. In addition, a higher degree of proctitis leads to earlier pouch failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inflammatory bowel diseases, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, are life-long disorders characterized by the chronic relapsing inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract with the intermittent need for escalation treatment and, eventually, even surgery. The total proctocolectomy with ileal pouch–anal anastomosis (IPAA) is the surgical intervention of choice in subjects affected by ulcerative colitis (UC). Although IPAA provides satisfactory functional outcomes, it can be susceptible to some complications, including pouchitis as the most common. Furthermore, 10–20% of the pouchitis may develop into chronic pouchitis. The etiology of pouchitis is mostly unclear. However, the efficacy of antibiotics in pouchitis suggests that the dysbiosis of the IPAA microbiota plays an important role in its pathogenesis. We aimed to review the role of the microbiota in the pathogenesis and as a target therapy in subjects who develop pouchitis after undergoing the surgical intervention of total proctocolectomy with IPAA reconstruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]