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Is an ileal pouch an alternative for patients requiring surgery for Crohn's proctocolitis?

BACKGROUND: Most surgeons consider Crohn's colitis to be an absolute contraindication for a continent ileostomy, due to high complication and failure rates. This opinion may, however, be erroneous. The results may appear poor when compared with those after pouch surgery in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), but the matter may well appear in a different light if the pouch patients are compared with Crohn's colitis patients who have had a proctocolectomy and a conventional ileostomy. METHODS: We assessed the long-term outcomes in a series of patients with Crohn's colitis who had a proctocolectomy and a continent ileostomy (59 patients) or a conventional ileostomy (57 patients). The median follow-up time was 24 years for the first group and 27 years for the second group. RESULTS: The outcomes in the two groups of patients were largely similar regarding both mortality and morbidity; the rates of recurrent disease and reoperation with loss of small bowel were also similar between groups. CONCLUSIONS: The possibility of having a continent ileostomy, thereby avoiding a conventional ileostomy-even if only for a limited number of years--may be an attractive option for young, highly motivated patients.

Adult↗

Appendix adenocarcinoma associated with ulcerative colitis: a case report and literature review.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) represents a risk factor for colorectal cancer, but the association between UC and appendix cancer is uncommon. A 60-year-old woman with a 5-year history of UC initially received medical treatment with mesalazine and prednisone with no satisfactory response; therefore surgery was indicated. The procedure was a total intersphincteric proctocolectomy with ileostomy. Histopathological analysis indicated adenocarcinoma from the cecal appendix, and chronic-active ulcerative colitis of the colon. In conclusion, surgeons and pathologists should examine every surgical specimen from patients with UC because of the possibility, although remote, of a neoplasic pathology. The appendix adenocarcinoma and ulcerative colitis may or may not be associated, same as colon cancer in patients with UC.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Functional outcome and quality of life after repeat ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for complications of ileoanal surgery.

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.

Adolescent↗

Attainment of continence with J-pouch and artificial bowel sphincter for concomitant imperforate anus and familial adenomatous polyposis: report of a case.

Numerous proven surgical therapies now exist to compensate for loss of anal sphincter function or loss of rectal reservoir capacity. Fecal incontinence that results from the combined loss of rectal reservoir and anal sphincter tone remains a surgical challenge. This case describes what may be the first successful treatment of a patient with imperforate anus and familial adenomatous polyposis using an ileal J-pouch and artificial bowel sphincter.

Adenomatous Polyposis Coli↗

Outcome of patients with indeterminate colitis undergoing a double-stapled ileal pouch-anal anastomosis.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to assess the outcome of patients with indeterminate colitis undergoing double-stapled ileal pouch anal anastomosis. METHODS: A retrospective review of demographic, disease-related, and outcome variables of all patients undergoing double-stapled ileal pouch anal anastomosis from August 1988 to January 2000 was undertaken. All patients were evaluated using the validated American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons Fecal Incontinence Severity Index. Patients with familial adenomatous polyposis, those who had undergone pouch revision or had S-configured pouches, and patients with a follow-up of less than three months were excluded from analysis. RESULTS: Three hundred ninety-five patients underwent the double-stapled ileal pouch anal anastomosis; of these 303 patients were included for analysis. The mean duration of follow-up was 40 months. Fifty-six (18.1 percent) had a preoperative diagnosis of indeterminate colitis. Postoperatively, indeterminate colitis was diagnosed in 13 (4.3 percent), mucosal ulcerative colitis in 285 (94 percent), and Crohn's disease in 5 (1.6 percent). The overall complication rate was 37.7 percent, 60 percent, and (30.7) percent in patients with mucosal ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and indeterminate colitis, respectively. Postoperative hemorrhage, abscess, and fistula occurred in 2.4 percent, 6.3 percent, and 3.9 percent, respectively, in patients with mucosal ulcerative colitis, and 0 percent, 15.3 percent, and 7.7 percent, respectively, in patients with indeterminate colitis. Small-bowel obstruction occurred in 8.5 percent, 20 percent, and 7.7 percent of patients with mucosal ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and indeterminate colitis, respectively. Pouchitis occurred in 4.6 percent of patients with mucosal ulcerative colitis but in none of the patients with indeterminate colitis. Dysplasia of the anal transition zone was seen in one patient each with mucosal ulcerative colitis and indeterminate colitis. These patients had consistent follow-up and neither showed any sign of evolution to neoplastic disease. None of the patients with indeterminate colitis had a postoperative diagnosis of Crohn's disease during the follow-up period. Functional outcome was comparable in all three patient groups. CONCLUSION: The outcome of the double-stapled ileal pouch anal anastomosis in patients with indeterminate colitis is similar to that of patients with mucosal ulcerative colitis. Therefore, it is a safe option in patients with indeterminate colitis.

Anal Canal↗

Prevalence and management of prolapse of the ileoanal pouch.

PURPOSE: Known late complications of ileal pouch-anal anastomoses include chronic pouchitis, poor pouch function, or stricture. These may jeopardize the pouch and may require pouch salvage procedures. Prolapse of the ileoanal pouch is a little-known complication infrequently noted in the literature. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of this problem and identify approaches used to correct it and salvage the pouch. METHODS: The literature was reviewed for publications describing the diagnosis and treatment of patients with ileoanal pouch prolapse. A survey inquiring about experience with ileoanal pouch prolapse was sent to all North American members and fellows of The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons. The survey assessed the number of years that the respondent had been performing ileal pouch-anal anastomoses and the number and type of pouches constructed. The respondents indicated the prevalence of patients with ileoanal pouch prolapse in their practices and length of time from pouch creation to onset of prolapse. They also were asked to indicate presenting symptoms, need for and method of surgical repair, and outcome. RESULTS: Two hundred and sixty-nine responses were received (response rate, 19.5 percent). Thirty-five respondents indicated that they had assisted in the care of a total of 83 patients with prolapse of the ileoanal pouch. Prolapse symptoms included external prolapse of tissue, sense of obstructed defecation, seepage, and pain. Patients with pouch prolapse most commonly presented within two years of pouch construction. Fifty-two patients required surgery and were managed by a combination of transanal repair, abdominal pouchpexy, and transabdominal revision or removal. The ileoanal pouch was salvaged in all but one case. CONCLUSIONS: Although the incidence of pouch prolapse is relatively low in this survey, the number of cases reported far exceeds the previous known experience. The possibility of this clinical entity should be considered in the differential diagnosis of ileoanal pouch dysfunction. Such recognition should lead to correction of prolapse and pouch salvage in the great majority of patients.

Colonic Pouches↗

Delay of the first onset of pouchitis by oral intake of the probiotic strain Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG.

PURPOSE: Proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis is the operation of choice for patients with refractory or fulminant ulcerative colitis. The most common long-term complication in these patients is pouchitis. This study was designed to investigate the efficacy of probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG in long-term delaying the first onset of pouchitis. METHODS: Between 1989 and 2001, a consecutive series of 127 patients presenting with ulcerative colitis underwent an ileal pouch-anal anastomosis at the Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam. Histopathologic investigation of the resected specimens revealed unsuspected Crohn's disease in five patients. Postoperative complications resulted in pouch excision in five patients. The remaining 117 patients were included in this study. All episodes of pouchitis occurring in this group were analyzed. Pouchitis was diagnosed on the basis of clinical symptoms and endoscopic and histologic features. The 39 patients, who underwent an ileal pouch-anal anastomosis between 1996 and 2001, started immediately after the operation with the daily intake of L. rhamnosus GG in a fermented product. The 78 patients, in whom an ileal pouch-anal anastomosis was performed between 1989 and 1996, received no L. rhamnosus GG. RESULTS: Except for the duration of follow-up, the patient characteristics, indications for proctocolectomy, number of postoperative complications, and functional outcome were similar in both groups. First episodes of pouchitis were observed less frequently in patients with a daily intake of L. rhamnosus GG (cumulative risk at 3 years: 7 vs. 29 percent; P = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: Daily intake of fermented products containing L. rhamnosus GG provides significant clinical benefit, without side effects. Based on the results of this study, we recommend a daily intake of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (dose 1-2 x 10(10) bacteria) to delay the first onset of pouchitis.

Administration, Oral↗

Pregnancy and delivery before and after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for inflammatory bowel disease: immediate and long-term consequences and outcomes.

PURPOSE: This study was designed to evaluate pregnancy, delivery, and functional outcome in females before and after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for chronic ulcerative colitis. METHODS: From a prospective database of 1,454 patients who underwent ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for chronic ulcerative colitis between 1981 and 1995, a standardized questionnaire was sent to all female patients aged 40 years or younger at the time of ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (n = 544). RESULTS: The response rate was 83 percent (450/544) with a mean follow-up after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis of 13 years. A total of 141 females were pregnant after the chronic ulcerative colitis diagnosis, but before ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (236 pregnancies; mean, 1.7) and 87 percent delivered vaginally. A mean of five (range, 1-16) years after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis, 135 females were pregnant (232 pregnancies; mean, 1.7). Comparison of pregnancy and delivery before and after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis in the same females (n = 37) showed no difference in birth weight, duration of labor, pregnancy/delivery complications, vaginal delivery rates (59 percent before vs. 54 percent after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis), and unplanned cesarean section (19 vs.14 percent). Planned cesareans occurred only after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis and were prompted by obstetrical concerns in only one of eight. Pouch function at first follow-up after delivery (mean, 7 months) was similar to pregravida function. After ileal pouch-anal anastomosis, daytime stool frequency was the same after delivery as pregravida (5.4 vs. 5.4, not significant) but was increased at the time of last follow-up (68 months after delivery; 5.4 vs. 6.4; P < 0.001). The rate of occasional fecal incontinence also was higher (20 percent after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis and 21 percent pregravida vs. 36 percent at last follow-up; P = 0.01). No difference in functional outcome was noted compared with females who were never pregnant after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (n = 307). Age and becoming pregnant did not affect the probability of pouch-related complications, such as stricture, pouchitis, and obstruction. CONCLUSIONS: Successful pregnancy and vaginal delivery occur routinely in females with chronic ulcerative colitis before and after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. The method of delivery should be dictated by obstetrical considerations. Pouch function and the incidence of complications in females with pregnancies seem largely unaffected long-term.

Adult↗

Female infertility after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for ulcerative colitis.

PURPOSE: Although ulcerative colitis commonly affects young females, the impact of ulcerative colitis and its treatment on female fertility have not been well studied. The purpose of this survey was to examine the impact of ulcerative colitis and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis on female reproductive ability. METHODS: Demographic, reproductive history, and disease history information were obtained via a questionnaire mailed to females who had pelvic pouch surgery or nonoperative management for ulcerative colitis. Based on age at diagnosis, age at surgery, and marital status, 153 females who had pelvic pouch surgery and 60 females who had nonoperative management for ulcerative colitis were identified for inclusion. Patients were asked if they attempted to become pregnant, when relative to their diagnosis or surgery, and if they were successful. Married or cohabiting females aged 18 to 44 years who failed to become pregnant during 12 months of unprotected intercourse were defined as infertile. RESULTS: The infertility rate was significantly higher in females who had pelvic pouch surgery compared with females managed nonoperatively (59/153 (38.1 percent) vs. 8/60 (13.3 percent), respectively; P < 0.001). There was no difference in female fertility after diagnosis with ulcerative colitis compared with before diagnosis (odds ratio, 0.68; P = 0.23). In contrast, there was a 98 percent reduction in fertility after pelvic pouch surgery compared with before surgery (odds ratio, 0.021; P < 0.0001). By logistic regression, increasing age was the only factor associated with failure to become pregnant after surgery (odds ratio, 1.136 per additional year of age; P = 0.027). CONCLUSIONS: Females with ulcerative colitis who are managed nonoperatively have normal fertility, which suggests that ulcerative colitis and medical therapy do not decrease female reproductive ability. After pelvic pouch surgery for ulcerative colitis, female fertility is significantly decreased and this problem should be discussed routinely with patients considering this procedure.

Adolescent↗

Long-term functional outcome of low anterior resection with colonic J-pouch reconstruction for rectal cancer in the elderly.

PURPOSE: Bowel function after low anterior resection for rectal cancer with colonic J-pouch reconstruction is more normal than after conventional straight anastomosis. However, few reports have examined the function of colonic J-pouch reconstruction in the elderly. Good function would obviate the need for colostomy, which is sometimes performed because of concern about fecal incontinence, which increases with age. This study evaluated the function of colonic J-pouch reconstruction in elderly patients aged 75 years or older. METHODS: Functional outcome was compared in 20 patients aged 75 years or older (older group) and 27 patients aged 60 to 74 years (old group) and 60 patients aged 59 years or younger (young group), 3 years after colonic J-pouch reconstruction, using a functional scoring system with a 17-item questionnaire (score range, 0 (overall good) to 26 (overall poor)). RESULTS: The functional scores in the three age groups were satisfactory and similar. Among patients with anastomoses 1 cm to 4 cm from the anal verge, all 17 categories on the questionnaire in the three age groups were similar. Among patients with anastomoses 5 cm to 8 cm from the anal verge, only the use of laxatives or glycerine enemas was more common in the older group than in the old and young group (90 vs. 38.5 percent and 43.3 percent; P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Low anterior resection with colonic J-pouch reconstruction provides excellent functional outcome, including continence, for elderly patients. Colonic J-pouch reconstruction is a highly preferable alternative to permanent colostomy in elderly patients undergoing low anterior resection.

Age Factors↗

H-pouch: new isoperistaltic colonic pouch for coloanal anastomosis after rectal resection for cancer: a pilot study.

PURPOSE: To date, there is a consensus to consider colonic J-pouch-anal anastomosis as the standard form of reconstruction after proctectomy for cancer. However, one drawback of colonic J-pouch is evacuation difficulties, which are observed at some degree in almost one-half of patients. To improve functional outcome after coloanal anastomosis, we describe a new technique of isoperistaltic colonic H-pouch. METHODS: The functional results after construction of this pouch were assessed prospectively in ten patients and compared with those obtained in a control group of matched patients with a colonic J-pouch. RESULTS: At six months and one year, there were no differences between both pouches for bowel function, continence score, and evacuation difficulties. CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary study showed that the creation of a new isoperistaltic colonic H-pouch did not improve the functional results after coloanal anastomosis compared with colonic J-pouch. Because colonic H-pouch is technically more complex to fashion, it should not be performed routinely and the J-pouch remains the benchmark for routine clinical practice.

Adult↗

Comparison of long-term functional results of colonic J-pouch and straight anastomosis after low anterior resection for rectal cancer: a five-year follow-up.

PURPOSE: Few reports on the long-term functional outcome of colonic J-pouch reconstruction have been published, and data comparing J-pouch and straight reconstruction are contradictory. This prospective study compares the functional outcome of colonic J-pouch and straight anastomosis five years after low anterior resection for rectal cancer. METHODS: Functional outcome was compared in 46 patients with J-pouch reconstruction (J-group) and 48 patients with straight anastomosis (S-group). Clinical status was evaluated with a 17-item questionnaire inquiring about different aspects of bowel function. Reservoir function was evaluated by manovolumetry. The Fisher's exact test and Wilcoxon's rank-sum test were used to compare categoric and quantitative data, respectively. RESULTS: Among patients with an ultralow anastomosis (< or = 4 cm from the anal verge), the number of bowel movements during the day (> or = 5, 4.3 vs. 29.2 percent; P = 0.028) and at night (> 1/week, 4.3 vs. 33.3 percent; P = 0.013) and urgency (4.3 vs. 33.3 percent; P = 0.013) and soiling (21.7 vs. 50.0 percent; P = 0.043) were less in the J-group than in the S-group. Among patients with a low anastomosis (5 to 8 cm from the verge), patients in the J-group had fewer bowel movements at night (> 1/week, 0 vs. 20.8 percent; P = 0.028) and less urgency (0 vs. 20.8 percent; P = 0.028). Reservoir function was better in the J-group than in the S-group in both the ultralow (maximum tolerable volume (mean), 101.7 vs. 76.3 ml; P = 0.004; threshold volume (mean), 46.5 vs. 30.4 ml; P < 0.001; compliance (mean), 4.9 vs. 2.5 ml/cm H2O; P < 0.001) and low-anastomosis (maximum tolerable volume, 120.4 vs. 97.9 ml; P < 0.001; threshold volume, 58.3 vs. 40.8 ml; P < 0.001; compliance, 5.2 vs. 3.1 ml/cm H2O; P < 0.001) groups. CONCLUSIONS: J-pouch reconstruction increased reservoir function and provided better functional outcome than straight anastomosis, even five years after surgery, especially in patients whose anastomosis is less than 4 cm from the anal verge.

Aged↗

Pilot study of the quality initiative in rectal cancer strategy.

INTRODUCTION: Total mesorectal excision vs. traditional surgical techniques may lead to improved rates of permanent colostomy, local tumor recurrence, and survival for patients undergoing major rectal cancer operations. We developed the surgeon-directed, multipronged Quality Initiative in Rectal Cancer strategy to encourage surgeons to use total mesorectal excision techniques. METHODS: The Quality Initiative in Rectal Cancer strategy interventions included a workshop, an operative demonstration of total mesorectal excision, and a postoperative questionnaire. The design of the strategy was informed by the industrial theory principles of continuous quality improvement. We assessed the logistics of implementing the strategy and the attitudes of surgeons toward the strategy through a pilot study at three community hospitals in the Central-West region of Ontario. RESULTS: Seventeen of 19 surgeons participated in a workshop, and 12 of 17 workshop participants received at least one operative demonstration of total mesorectal excision. Ten of 11 surgeons who completed a postoperative questionnaire indicated their traditional approach to rectal cancer surgery varied with that of the operative demonstration. The attitudes of surgeons toward the Quality Initiative in Rectal Cancer strategy were positive. For the time periods before and after the pilot study, there was a trend toward a lower rate of permanent colostomy among patients treated by surgeons who participated in both the workshop and an operative demonstration of total mesorectal excision. CONCLUSION: The Quality Initiative in Rectal Cancer strategy may be an effective method of introducing optimal rectal cancer surgery techniques to a large group of practicing surgeons.

Aged↗

Transverse coloplasty pouch after total mesorectal excision: functional assessment of evacuation.

PURPOSE: Colon pouch reconstruction after total mesorectal excision is functionally superior to straight colorectal/ anal anastomosis. In the long-term, stool evacuation difficulties could jeopardize the functional benefit. The transverse coloplasty pouch presents an alternative to the standard J-pouch. This study was designed to analyze functional outcome and defecography findings after total mesorectal excision and transverse coloplasty pouch reconstruction. METHODS: Thirty consecutive patients with cancer of the middle and lower third of the rectum underwent a total mesorectal excision and were examined in a prospective study. In all patients, reconstruction was performed with a transverse coloplasty pouch. Pouch and anastomosis were checked by Gastrografin enema postoperatively. Patients were examined within eight months by means of defecography, manometry, pouch volumetry, and a standardized continence questionnaire. RESULTS: Total mesorectal excision with transverse coloplasty pouch anastomosis was performed successfully in all patients. Symptomatic anastomotic leakage was observed in 2 of 30 patients and the radiologic leak rate was 4 of 30. All patients evacuated the pouch completely; none needed enemas or suppositories to facilitate defecation. Twenty-five of 27 patients had a maximum of three bowel movements per day, and all patients were continent for solid stools. Patients with abnormal findings on defecography proved more likely to have anal dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: Transverse coloplasty pouch reconstruction after total mesorectal excision leads to good functional results and is not associated with stool evacuation problems. Urgency and incontinence correlate rather with impaired pelvic floor movement than with pouch size or anal sphincter tonus.

Aged↗

The efficacy of a nerve stimulator (CaverMap) to enhance autonomic nerve identification and confirm nerve preservation during total mesorectal excision.

PURPOSE: Sexual dysfunction after total mesorectal excision may be caused by injury to the autonomic nerves. During surgery, nerve identification is not always achieved, and, to date, there has been no method to objectively confirm nerve preservation. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of a nerve-stimulating device (CaverMap) to assist in the intraoperative identification of the autonomic nerves during total mesorectal excision, and objectively confirm nerve preservation after proctectomy is completed. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sexually active consecutive male patients undergoing total mesorectal excision were prospectively enrolled in this study. During pelvic dissection, the surgeon attempted to localize the hypogastric and cavernous nerves. CaverMap was used to confirm these findings and to facilitate the identification in cases of uncertainty. At the completion of proctectomy, the nerves were restimulated to ensure preservation. Factors that could affect the surgeon's ability to localize the nerves and CaverMap to confirm this were evaluated. RESULTS: Twenty-nine male patients with a median age of 58 years were enrolled in this study. An attempt to visualize the hypogastric nerves during dissection was made in 26 patients; the surgeon was able to identify the nerves in 19 (73 percent) patients. CaverMap successfully identified the nerves in six of the seven remaining patients, and failed to identify them in only one case. An attempt to localize the cavernous nerves during dissection was made in 13 patients, of which localization was successful in 8 (61.5 percent) patients. CaverMap improved the identification rate in four of the remaining five patients. After proctectomy, CaverMap successfully confirmed the preservation of both hypogastric and cavernous nerves in 27 of 29 (93 percent) patients. A history of previous surgery statistically correlated with failure to identify the hypogastric nerves by the surgeon (P = 0.005). There were no adverse events related to use of the device. CONCLUSION: CaverMap may be a useful tool to facilitate identification of the pelvic autonomic nerves during total mesorectal excision and to objectively confirm nerve preservation.

Autonomic Pathways↗

Colonic J-pouch-anal anastomosis for rectal cancer: a prospective, randomized study comparing handsewn vs. stapled anastomosis.

PURPOSE: Colonic J-pouch-anal anastomosis performed after complete proctectomy and total mesorectal excision for adenocarcinoma of the rectum can be handsewn or stapled. Stapling the coloanal anastomosis is believed to shorten operating time and reduce morbidity, but there are no randomized trials comparing the techniques. METHODS: Between January 1999 and May 2001, all patients with rectal adenocarcinoma requiring total mesorectal excision were randomized intraoperatively to handsewn or stapled anastomosis. Mortality, intraoperative, and postoperative findings and functional results at 3, 6, and 12 months were analyzed. RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients (12 females; mean age, 60 +/- 10 years) were randomized (stapled group: n = 20; handsewn group: n = 17). The two groups were comparable for age, gender, distance between the tumor and the levator ani, tumor volume, and use of preoperative radiotherapy (3 in each group). Morbidity did not differ between stapled group (3/20) and handsewn group (4/17; P > 0.05). Mean +/- standard deviation operative time was shorter in stapled group (261 +/- 40 minutes) than in handsewn group (314 +/- 46 minutes; P = 0.0008), and median distance between the anastomosis and the anal verge was shorter in handsewn group (19 +/- 9 mm) than in stapled group (27 +/- 8 mm; P = 0.01). Three patients of handsewn group and none of stapled group developed an anastomotic stricture requiring a single digital dilation (not significant). Number of stools per 24 hours, urgency, incidence of fragmented stools, degree of continence, requirement for protective pad, and/or need to take medication at 3, 6, and 12 months were similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Stapled co-loanal anastomosis is significantly faster than handsewn CAA and has similar functional results. It should be the preferred technique when it is feasible.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Prevalence and morphology of pouch and ileal adenomas in familial adenomatous polyposis.

PURPOSE: In familial adenomatous polyposis, the long-term risk of pouch polyposis and potential for pouch cancer are unknown. Our aim was to evaluate prospectively the prevalence, nature, and etiology of pouch ileal adenomas with that of nonpouch ileal adenomas in familial adenomatous polyposis. METHODS: Sixty patients with familial adenomatous polyposis pouch, 47 familial adenomatous polyposis patients with ileorectal anastomosis, and 20 younger patients with familial adenomatous polyposis who had prophylactic colectomy were examined with videoendoscopy. RESULTS: Adenomatous polyps were found in the pouches of 34 patients (57 percent). A total of 362 polyps were identified (range, 0-50 per patient). A logistic regression model confirmed that there was a significant association between the increasing age of the patient and the presence of pouch adenomas (P < 0.02) and the length of follow-up since pouch surgery (P < 0.05). There was no apparent relationship between the development of pouch adenomas and the severity of either colonic or duodenal polyposis and there were no clear genotype or phenotype correlations. Most polyps were tubular adenomas with mild dysplasia, but 11 patients had more advanced histology, including two patients with large villous adenomas. Nonpouch ileal mucosa was spared from visually observed adenomas, with only 1 of 48 (2 percent) patients with ileorectal anastomosis adenomas and 0 of 20 (0 percent) younger, precolectomy patients having terminal ileal adenomas. However, microadenomas were present on random biopsy in 4 percent to 5 percent of nonpouch ileum. CONCLUSION: The risk of pouch cancer in familial adenomatous polyposis is unclear, but follow-up periods since surgery remain relatively short. Long-term endoscopic surveillance of familial adenomatous polyposis pouches is thus recommended along with evaluation of potential therapeutic options for pouch adenomas.

Adenoma↗