Obstructed defecation after undiverted ileoanal pouch reconstruction for ulcerative colitis: Pharmacologic approach

Abstract

Obstructed defecation after ileal pouch construction has been reported only after closure of the diverting loop ileostomy, and biofeedback was an effective treatment modality. This is a case report of a patient with immediate obstructed defecation after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis without a covering loop ileostomy and its successful pharmacologic management. A 38-year-old female underwent restorative proctectomy and stapled ileal J-pouch-anal anastomosis without a covering loop ileostomy. On the seventh postoperative day, her pouch catheter (in lieu of a covering loop ileostomy) was removed and she failed to evacuate. After ruling out any technical complications, diltiazem was commenced with successful spontaneous pouch emptying. Obstructed defecation reoccurred after cessation of diltiazem one week later, but the symptoms resolved once the diltiazem was recommenced. Obstructed defecation has been reported in patients after pelvic pouch reconstruction. However, in all those patients a diverting loop ileostomy had been raised and their obstructive symptoms were only apparent after closure of the ileostomy and when the pouch had healed. The concern regarding our patient was the complete outlet obstruction so soon after surgery, with undue strain on the anastomosis and the potential risk of disruption. Our only two options were either to create a diverting loop ileostomy or to try a fast-acting pharmacologic agent (diltiazem) to treat the presumed levator spasm. The latter option spared the patient a further operation.