Ileorectal Anastomosis Group Research Articles

Could Total Colectomy with Ileorectal Anastomosis Be an Alternative to Total Proctocolectomy with Ileal Pouch-Anal Anastomosis in Selected Ulcerative Colitis Patients?

Purpose. To evaluate ileorectal anastomosis (IRA) in selected ulcerative colitis patients. Methods. Early and late complications after IRA and IPAA were investigated. Bowel function and quality of life were assessed. Functional and QoL studies were performed as a matched pair analysis, comparing 98 patients who underwent IRA versus 98 patients who underwent IPAA. Results. In IRA group, 2 patients (1.6%) developed anastomotic l dysplasia (HGD) developed in 3 patients dysplasia (HGD) developed in 3 patients eakage, 1 patient (0.8%) had intestinal obstruction, and 2 patients (1.6%) had abdominal hematoma. Mean follow-up was 11.5 (range: 2–24.3) years. Failure of IRA occurred in 19 patients (15.1%); in 12 patients (9.5%), failure was related to severe proctitis, in 3 patients (2.4%), it was related to the development of high-grade dysplasia, and in 4 patients (3.2%), it was related to the development of rectal cancer. About functional results, stool consistency [liquid (6.7% of IRA patients versus 29% of IPAA patients; p = 0.003)], daily soiling (0% versus 6%; p = 0.01), and nocturnal soiling (6% versus 25.5%; p = 0.03) were statistically different. Only 1% of IRA patients versus 11% of IPAA patients had episodes of perianal inflammation (p = 0.007). CGQoL was 0.72 (±0.14, SD) in IRA patients and 0.75 (±0.11, SD) in IPAA patients (p = ns). Conclusion. In selected patients, IRA is an appropriate surgical option, with low morbidity, comparable quality of life, and better functional results than IPAA.

Risk of Neoplasia After Colectomy in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Colorectal neoplasia can still develop after colectomy for inflammatory bowel disease. However, data on this risk are scare, and there have been few conclusive findings, so no evidence-based recommendations have been made for postoperative surveillance. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the prevalence and incidence of and risk factors for neoplasia in patients with inflammatory bowel disease who have undergone colectomy, including the permanent-end ileostomy and rectal stump, ileorectal anastomosis (IRA), and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) procedures. We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library through May 2014 to identify studies that reported prevalence or incidence of colorectal neoplasia after colectomy or specifically assessed risk factors for neoplasia development. Studies were selected, quality was assessed, and data were extracted by 2 independent researchers. We calculated colorectal cancer (CRC) prevalence values from 13 studies of patients who underwent rectal stump surgery, 35 studies of IRA, and 33 studies of IPAA. Significantly higherproportions of patients in the rectal stump group (2.1%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3%-3.0%) and in the IRA group (2.4%; 95% CI, 1.7%-3.0%) developed CRC than in the IPAA group (0.5%; 95% CI, 0.3%-0.6%); the odds ratio (OR) for CRC in the rectal stump or IRA groups compared with the IPAA group was 6.4 (95% CI, 4.3-9.5). A history of CRC was the most important risk factor for development of CRC after colectomy (OR for patients receiving IRA, 12.8; 95% CI, 3.31-49.2 and OR for patients receiving IPAA, 15.0; 95% CI, 6.6-34.5). In a meta-analysis of published studies, we found the prevalence and incidence of CRC after colectomy to be less than 3%; in patients receiving IPAA it was less than 1%. Factors that increased risk of cancer development after colectomy included the presence of a residual rectum and a history of CRC. These findings could aid in development of individualized strategies for post-surgery surveillance.

Effect of different surgical options on curative effect, nutrition, and health status of patients with slow transit constipation.

This study aims to investigate the influence of total colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis (IRA) and subtotal colectomy with cecorectal anastomosis (CRA) on curative effects, nutritional status, and health of patients with slow transit constipation (STC). The purpose of the present study is to compare the hemoglobin, the total protein level, the albumin, and the percentage of lymphocytes before and after operations. The 36-item short-form health survey questionnaire (SF-36), the mininutritional assessment (MNA), the postoperative general condition questionnaire, and the social activities questionnaire were used. The questionnaires were modified. The patients with higher scores were shown to recover better postoperatively. More than 87.5 % of patients in both groups were satisfied with the surgery. Increased stool frequency was improved 6 months after surgery. Antidiarrheal agent use, abdominal pain, and distention in the IRA group were more frequent than in the CRA group (p < 0.05). Postoperative levels of hemoglobin, total protein level, albumin, and percentage of lymphocytes in the IRA group were higher than in the CRA group (p < 0.05). There was no difference in MNA for both groups (p > 0.05). There was no difference in the postoperative general condition questionnaire for both groups (p > 0.05). But the scores for health condition, emotion, and feeling for life were low, only 68.8 to 82.4 % at their highest. Symptoms can be relieved by IRA and CRA surgeries. The postoperative nutritional conditions are fine. Health conditions and social life are affected. Both IRA and CRA surgeries are compliant for the treatment of STC.

Impact of Familial Adenomatous Polyposis on Young Adults: Quality of Life Outcomes

This study used a novel questionnaire to assess quality of life and psychologic adjustment among young adults aged 18 to 35 years with a diagnosis of, or at risk of, developing familial adenomatous polyposis. Eighty-eight participants (25 males) were recruited through four Australian Hereditary Bowel Cancer Registries. The average age of participants was 28 years, and the average age of these participants at the time of their last genetic consultation was 23 years. Seventy-one participants (81 percent) had clinical familial adenomatous polyposis, of whom 57 had undergone an ileorectal anastomosis or formation of an ileal pouch with anal anastomosis to prevent colorectal cancer. The ileal-pouch-with-anal-anastomosis group had significantly more adverse outcomes for physical functioning, body image, sexual impact, and negative affect compared with the no-surgery group -- and significantly more negative outcomes for physical functioning and negative affect compared with the ileorectal-anastomosis group. Among the total sample, a small proportion (11.4 percent) had avoidance scores indicative of a significant stress response, and being single was associated with higher levels of avoidance responses about familial adenomatous polyposis (z = -3.19; P = 0.001). Familial adenomatous polyposis may have a negative impact across a broad range of life domains. Being single is an important risk factor for adverse psychologic outcomes. Delaying surgery, especially ileal pouch with anal anastomosis may minimize the negative impact on physical and psychologic functioning. Referral for psychologic intervention may be required for a small proportion of those affected by familial adenomatous polyposis, and ongoing access to genetic services may help to identify and address the needs of this group.

A comparison of segmental vs subtotal/total colectomy for colonic Crohn's disease: a meta‐analysis

Purpose: To evaluate differences in short‐ and long‐term outcomes of patients with colonic Crohn's disease (CD) undergoing either subtotal/total colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis (IRA) or segmental colectomy(SC).Method: Comparative studies from 1988 to 2002, of subtotal/total colectomy and IRA vs SC, were used. The study end points included surgical and overall recurrence, time to recurrence, postoperative morbidity and incidence of permanent stoma. Meta‐analytical tools were used to evaluate the study outcomes.Results: Six studies, consisting of a total of 488 patients (223‐IRA and 265‐SC) were included. Meta‐analysis suggested no significant difference between IRA and SC in recurrence of CD. Time to recurrence was longer in the IRA group by 4.4 years (95%CI, 3.1–5.8), P &lt; 0.001. There was no difference in postoperative complications (OR = 1.4, 95%CI, 0.16–12.74) or the need for a permanent stoma between the two groups (OR = 2.75, 95%CI, 0.78–9.71). Patients with two or more colonic segments involved were associated with lower re‐operation rate in the IRA group, a difference which did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.177).Conclusions: Both procedures were equally effective as treatment options for colonic CD, however, patients in the SC group exhibited recurrence earlier than those in the IRA group. The choice of operation is dependent on the extent of colonic disease, with a trend towards better outcomes with IRA for two or more colonic segments involved.

A comparison of segmental vs subtotal/total colectomy for colonic Crohn's disease: a meta‐analysis

Using meta-analytical techniques the present study evaluated differences in short-term and long-term outcomes of adult patients with colonic Crohn's disease who underwent either colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis (IRA) or segmental colectomy (SC). Comparative studies published between 1988 and 2002, of subtotal/total colectomy and ileorectal anastomosis vs segmental colectomy, were used. The study end points included were surgical and overall recurrence, time to recurrence, postoperative morbidity and incidence of permanent stoma. Random and fixed-effect meta-analytical models were used to evaluate the study outcomes. Sensitivity analysis, funnel plot and meta-regressive techniques were carried out to explain the heterogeneity and selection bias between the studies. Six studies, consisting of a total of 488 patients (223 IRA and 265 SC) were included. Analysis of the data suggested that there was no significant difference between IRA and SC in recurrence of Crohn's disease. Time to recurrence was longer in the IRA group by 4.4 years (95% CI: 3.1-5.8), P < 0.001. There was no difference between the incidence of postoperative complications (OR = 1.4., 95% CI 0.16-12.74) or the need for a permanent stoma between the two groups (OR = 2.75, 95% CI 0.78-9.71). Patients with two or more colonic segments involved were associated with lower re-operation rate in the IRA group, a difference which did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.177). Both procedures were equally effective as treatment options for colonic Crohn's disease however, patients in the SC group exhibited recurrence earlier than those in the IRA group. The choice of operation is dependent on the extent of colonic disease, with a trend towards better outcomes with IRA for two or more colonic segments involved. Since no prospective randomised study has been undertaken, a clear view about which approach is more suitable for localised colonic Crohn's disease cannot be obtained.

Does better functional result equate with better quality of life? Implications for surgical treatment in familial adenomatous polyposis.

The main impetus for a patient with familial adenomatous polyposis to choose colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis over ileal pouch-anal anastomosis is the better functional result. However, does better functional result necessarily translate into better overall quality of life? Previous studies of other diseases have demonstrated no such correlation. This study was performed to determine whether any relationship exists between functional result and quality of life in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis after ileorectal anastomosis and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. All patients with familial adenomatous polyposis who underwent colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis or proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis from 1980 to 1998 were studied. Functional data were obtained by questionnaire. Health-related quality of life was assessed by two validated instruments, the SF-36 Physical and Mental Health Summary Scales and the SF-36 Health Survey, which measure physical and mental functioning and eight separate health-quality dimensions, including health perception, physical and social functioning, physical and emotional role limitations, mental health, bodily pain, and energy or fatigue. Data were obtained in 44 of 68 patients, 14 with ileorectal anastomosis and 30 with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. No differences were demonstrated between the two groups for patient age, mean follow-up time, and mean patient age at operation. Functional results were worse for the ileal pouch-anal anastomosis group vs. the ileorectal anastomosis group in number of bowel movements per day (7.5 vs. 5.2; P < 0.05), leakage (43 vs. 0 percent; P < 0.01), pad usage (17 vs. 0 percent; P < 0.01), perianal skin problems (33 vs. 7 percent; P < 0.01), food avoidance (80 vs. 43 percent; P < 0.01), and inability to distinguish gas (37 vs. 7 percent; P < 0.01). Results of the health-related quality-of-life surveys, however, demonstrated no difference between the ileal pouch-anal anastomosis and ileorectal anastomosis groups. The Physical and Mental summary scales for the ileal pouch-anal anastomosis and ileorectal anastomosis groups were not significantly different (Physical Health Scale, 50.3 vs. 50.9; Mental Health Scale, 51.7 vs. 49.6), and none of the eight dimensions of the SF-36 health survey demonstrated statistical differences between the ileal pouch-anal anastomosis and ileorectal anastomosis groups. Better functional results were not equated with better quality of life in this pilot study. Although patients with the ileorectal anastomosis have better functional results than those with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis, the measured health-related quality of life as determined by a validated generic health-related quality-of-life instrument is the same for both groups. These results suggest that all patients with familial adenomatous polyposis might be optimally treated with an ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. More importantly, this study suggests that health-related quality of life should play a greater role in the evaluation of care and treatment in colon rectal surgery.

Comparison of ileal pouch-anal anastomosis and ileorectal anastomosis in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the surgical complications and long-term outcome and assess the functional results and quality of life after ileorectal anastomosis and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis. From 1980 to 1997, 131 patients with familial adenomatous polyposis were operated on or were followed up or both at the Familial Gastrointestinal Cancer Registry at Mount Sinai Hospital. Demographic and operative data were prospectively collected in the ileal pouch-anal anastomosis group, and retrospectively in the ileorectal anastomosis group. A questionnaire or telephone interview or both were undertaken to evaluate functional outcome and quality of life. The ileorectal anastomosis group consisted of 60 patients (mean age, 31 years; mean follow-up, 7.7 years). In the ileal pouch-anal anastomosis group there were 50 patients (mean age, 35 years; mean follow-up, 6 years). There were no statistically significant differences with respect to anastomotic leak rate in ileal pouch-anal anastomosis vs. ileorectal anastomosis (12 vs. 3 percent; P = 0.21), risk of small-bowel obstruction (24 vs. 15 percent; P = 0.58), and risk of intra-abdominal sepsis (3 vs. 2 percent; P = 0.86). Reoperation rate was similar in the two groups (14 vs. 16 percent; P = 0.94). Twenty-one patients (37 percent) with ileorectal anastomosis were converted to ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (12 patients) or proctocolectomy (9 patients), because of rectal cancer (5 patients), dysplasia (1 patient), or uncontrollable rectal polyps (15 patients). Two pelvic pouches were excised, and another one was defunctioned. Information regarding functional results and quality of life was obtained in 40 patients (66.6 percent) in the ileorectal anastomosis group and in 43 patients (86 percent) in the ileal pouch-anal anastomosis group. Patients with ileorectal anastomosis had a significantly better functional outcome with regard to nighttime continence and perineal skin irritation. But otherwise, functional results and quality of life were similar. Although ileorectal anastomosis has a better functional outcome, ileal pouch-anal anastomosis may be preferable because of the lower long-term failure rate. Ileorectal anastomosis is still an option in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis with rectal polyp sparing and good compliance for follow-up.

Restorative proctocolectomy or rectum-preserving surgery in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis: results of a prospective study.

Surgical treatment of familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is still controversial. From 1984 we carried out a prospective evaluation of total colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis (IRA) and restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) to determine differences in postoperative complications, functional results, occurrence of desmoids, and recurrence of polyps in the rectal stump. IRA was performed below the peritoneal reflection and was indicated in the absence of rectal cancer and in the presence of fewer than 10 polyps or minute polyposis in the last 10 cm of the rectal mucosa. IRA patients underwent a regular endoscopic follow-up and prolonged sulindac administration (100 mg twice daily). When criteria for IRA were absent, IPAA was performed adopting a manual anastomosis at the pectinate line. Fourteen patients were operated with IRA and 24 with IPAA. There was no difference in sex and age between the two groups of patients. The number of rectal polyps was significantly different in the two groups. Immediate postoperative complications were observed in only five IPAA patients, three of whom (12%) required reoperation. Late postoperative complications occurred more frequently in IRA patients (14%) than in IPAA patients (4%). Desmoids developed in both groups (five in the IRA group and four in IPAA group). The number of bowel movements was similar in both groups, but 25% of IPAA patients complained of nocturnal fecal soiling. Fulguration or polypectomy for recurrent polyps was necessary in all but two IRA patients at follow-up. The rectal stump was easily eradicated by polyps in all but four patients with minute polyps at surgery. In the latter patients a diffuse or carpeting rectal polyposis occurred. IPAA can give optimum control of colorectal polyposis in FAP patients with an acceptable incidence of postoperative complications and satisfactory functional results. This type of surgical procedure is indicated in most FAP patients, and IRA should be reserved for patients without polyps or with fewer than 10 polyps in the rectal stump; otherwise growth of polyps cannot be adequately controlled.

Early and Long-Term Effects of Colectomy and Endorectal Pullthrough on Bile Acid Profile

Although total colectomy with mucosal proctectomy and endorectal pullthrough affects two sites critical to the enterohepatic circulation of bile acids, little information is available regarding the manner in which normal digestive physiology is altered by these procedures. This study defines the early and long-term effects of colectomy and endorectal pullthrough on bile acid profile and the long-term effects on biliary lipid metabolism. Specific changes in bile acid absorption have been reported in patients after ileal resection. Recent studies from our laboratory indicate that in the early postoperative period, colectomy with endorectal pullthrough causes a significant decrease in gallbladder bile concentrations of total bile acids, cholesterol, phospholipids, and calcium. The observation by several authors that the pouch undergoes morphologic and perhaps functional adaptation suggest that these changes may be transient and perhaps reversible. These studies were done in an awake, unanesthetized canine model that allows periodic sampling of gallbladder bile without creation of an external biliary fistula and its associated sequelae. Animals were ultimately randomly assigned to either laparotomy and gallbladder cannulation (N = 6), or gallbladder cannulation with total colectomy and ileorectal anastomosis (N = 7), or biliary cannulation, colectomy, mucosal proctectomy and endorectal pullthrough with ileal reservoir (N = 5). Six weeks after operation, colectomy and ileorectal anastomosis were associated with a significant alteration in the relative composition of bile acids in gallbladder bile. These early changes were manifested by a significant (p < 0.05) increase in taurocholic acid and a concomitant decrease in taurodeoxycholic acid. These changes became even more pronounced in the ileorectal anastomosis group 12 weeks after colectomy and ileorectostomy. Although similar changes in the relative concentrations of individual bile acids occurred in the 6-week endorectal animals, bile acid profile was restored to normal by 12 weeks. Colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis leads to early and significant changes in bile acid profile, which persist and become even more pronounced with time. In contrast, the construction of an ileal reservoir after colectomy facilitates restoration of a normal bile acid profile. We propose that these alterations in bile acid metabolism result from adaptation of the ileal reservoir as its mucosa assumes functional characteristics of normal colon.

Colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis lowers rectal mucosal cell proliferation in familial adenomatous polyposis.

Rectal polyp regression has been observed in familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) after colectomy and ileorectal anastomosis (IRA). In view of the association between risk of neoplasia and epithelial cell turnover rates, a study was conducted to determine the effect of colectomy and IRA on rectal mucosal proliferation in FAP. Endoscopic biopsies of flat rectal mucosa were taken from 12 FAP patients with an established IRA and 10 FAP patients prior to colectomy. Mucosal proliferation was assessed by flash-labeling S-phase cells with bromodeoxyuridine. Labeled cells were visualized on paraffin sections with an immunohistochemical stain using a monoclonal antibody to bromodeoxyuridine. Twenty crypt columns were analyzed. The mean labeling index (percent labeled cells/crypt) of the FAP patients with established IRAs (7.0 +/- 1.4 percent) was significantly less than that of the precolectomy patients (12.8 +/- 3.0 percent) (Mann-Whitney U test, P = 0.0004). Comparison of labeled distribution curves shows a contraction of the crypt proliferative zone in the IRA group. Colectomy with IRA in FAP is associated with a significant reduction in rectal mucosal cell proliferation. These findings support the claim of reduced risk of rectal cancer following this procedure in FAP and are of relevance to the study of environmental vs. genetic control of cell proliferation.

Early effects of colectomy and endorectal pullthrough operation on biliary lipid composition

In order to determine the effects of total colectomy and endorectal pullthrough with ileal reservoir (ERP) on biliary lipid composition in the early postoperative period, gallbladder bile of dogs was examined after biliary cannulation alone (control); biliary cannulation and colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis (IRA); and biliary cannulation, colectomy with mucosal proctectomy, and ERP. Bile collected from 3 to 6 weeks postoperation was analyzed for total bile acids, cholesterol, phospholipids, bilirubin, and calcium concentrations. Cholesterol saturation was calculated. Serum collected over the same period was analyzed for electrolytes and liver function tests. There was no evidence of sludge or gallstones postoperatively in any animal. Significant decreases in total bile acids, phospholipids, and calcium concentrations were noted in the bile of the IRA group when compared to the bile of the controls ( P < 0.05) and in total bile acids, cholesterol, phospholipids, and calcium in ERP vs controls ( P < 0.05). Moreover, all three biliary lipids and calcium were significantly decreased in ERP animals compared to those in the IRA group ( P < 0.05). No change in cholesterol saturation was noted between any of the three groups. Other than an increase in alkaline phosphatase concentrations compared to preoperative levels ( P < 0.05) which was noted in all groups, no significant changes were noted in serum parameters. We conclude that during the early postoperative period, ERP causes a significant decrease in gallbladder bile concentrations of total bile acids, cholesterol, phospholipids, and calcium which cannot be explained by colectomy alone. The longterm effects on biliary composition remain to be defined.

Psychosocial sequelae of stoma surgery for inflammatory bowel disease in childhood.

Three matched groups of children with inflammatory bowel disease: (a) stroma group, (b) ileorectal anastomosis group and (c) no-surgery group were compared for psychosocial adjustment. No differences were found between the groups for psychological adjustment, selfesteem, or quality of life. It is concluded that providing children are well prepared and followed up carefully and sensitively, then stroma surgery should not be deferred for fear of adverse psychological consequences.