Pouch Construction Research Articles

Reoperative abdominal and perineal surgery in ileoanal pouch patients.

Complications of the ileal pouch with ileoanal anastomosis are associated with poor function and diminished quality of life; often, these complications may require surgery to salvage the pouch. The aims of this study were to review our experience with reoperative ileoanal pouch surgery and to define any predictors of pouch salvage surgery. Between 1991 and 1999, the medical records of all patients who underwent reoperative ileoanal pouch surgery for either pouch salvage or pouch excision were reviewed; any minor local procedures were excluded. Successful ileoanal pouch salvage was considered to be an intact and functioning pouch, with acceptable patient satisfaction and good control. Thirty-two patients underwent reoperative ileoanal pouch surgery, 25 for attempted pouch salvage and 10 for pouch excision (3 patients were included in both groups). Five patients (20 percent) had pouch reconstruction, 1 of which was successful; 8 (32 percent) had pouch advancement, with a 62 percent success rate; and 16 (64 percent) had local perianal procedures for control of perianal sepsis, with a 75 percent success rate (4 of these required further surgery). The overall success rate of ileoanal pouch salvage surgery was 84 percent, with 64 percent of patients having acceptable function. There was no correlation between the number of ileoanal pouch salvage procedures and failure. Four (40 percent) of the 10 patients who had pouch excision were ultimately diagnosed with Crohn's disease. Ileoanal pouch salvage surgery is often successful and, in motivated patients without Crohn's disease, is worthwhile. Pouch advancement or local perianal repair yielded better results than did pouch reconstruction. Patients diagnosed with Crohn's disease after ileoanal pouch construction may be best suited for pouch excision when complications occur.

Nutritional and life-quality consequences of aboral pouch construction after total gastrectomy: a randomized, controlled study

Aims: The aboral pouch, a new type of gastric substitute, has been introduced after total gastrectomy and compared to simple Roux-en-Y reconstruction in a prospective, randomized study. Anthropometric data, serum nutritional parameters, small intestinal passage, lipid and carbohydrate absorption and quality of life were measured 6 and 12 months after total gastrectomy. Patients and Methods: Between September 1997 and April 2000 46 patients entered the study, 24 to the aboral pouch group and 22 to the control, simple Roux-en-Y group. Results: Interim analysis of the data revealed significantly higher serum cholesterol levels, better lipid absorption and quality of life in patients who underwent aboral pouch construction. Conclusion: Aboral pouch construction is a feasible reconstruction method after total gastrectomy providing better lipid absorption and quality of life for patients after total gastrectomy.

Patient quality of life after successful restorative proctocolectomy is normal.

To measure quality of life (QoL), using validated health status instruments, of patients with functioning IPAA for CUC. Between 1986 and 1997, a total of 77 patients had an IPAA. Thirteen patients were excluded [6 excised, 3 awaiting ileostomy closure, 2 lost to follow up, 2 serious unrelated illnesses]. Postal survey using SF36 and EuroQol questionnaires. Age, sex, year of pouch construction and stool frequency were documented. Fifty-six patients (87.5%) replied. Male:female ratio; 3:2. Median age; 34 years (range 13-64). Median time since pouch construction; 4 years (range 1-10 years). Median SF36 scores (range); physical function 86.6 (0-100), physical role 81.6 (0-100), body pain 78.4 (22-100), general health 61.6 (5-100), vitality 57.6 (5-100), social function 75.4 (25-100), emotional role 83.5 (0-100), mental health 70.7 (16-100). All the SF36 scores were within the normal range, as were the EuroQol scores. Median EuroQol score (range); 0.85 (-0.07-1.0). Median EuroQol thermometer score (range); 83.3 (20-100). There was no correlation between objective QoL score and age, gender, stool frequency and year of pouch construction. The QoL for patients with a functioning IPAA for CUC measured using validated health status instruments is normal. Age, gender, stool frequency and year of construction do not affect QoL outcome after the IPAA for ulcerative colitis.

Long-Term Outcomes of the Ileal Pouch Anal Anastomosis: The Association of Bowel Function and Quality of Life 5 Years after Surgery

Introduction. Previous studies have reported that mean health related quality of life (HRQL) levels generally attain normalcy following construction of an ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA). It appears inconsistent, however, that these normal HRQL levels are achieved while bowel function (BF) scores generally remain statistically worse than “normal” (e.g., 4–8 stools/day, possible anal leakage, diaper usage). To investigate this inconsistency, the current study attempts to determine if any statistical associations are present between HRQL and BF, specifically in the long term. Multivariate regression analyses are performed using each of 8 individual HRQL domains against the full model of BF characteristics.Methods. All patients more than 5 years status post an ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) procedure for familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) at a single institution were studied. FAP was chosen because patients are routinely asymptomatic preoperatively. BF (e.g., stool frequency, anal leakage) and HRQL (using the 8 health domains of the SF-36) were assessed by patient interview. Student's t tests and full model multivariate regression analyses were used to analyze associations between BF and HRQL.Results. The sample included 25 patients (14 male). Mean age was 39 years, mean follow-up time was 11 years. Although mean scores for the 8 individual HRQL domains were not statistically different from the general United States population, regression analyses of the different domains did demonstrate significant associations with varying levels of BF. While controlling for age and gender, the analyses show that the physical function domain is improved with the ability to pass flatus independent of stool, and physical role and mental health domains are improved with decreased stool frequency. The social function domain is improved with increased stool retention time, while the perception of general health is improved with less diaper usage and less sexual dysfunction.Conclusions. This study shows that a statistically significant association between HRQL levels and BF is present. Of the numerous BF characteristics tested, five appear to be of greater importance with regard to certain HRQL domains. This finding may have clinical implications concerning pouch construction and surgical technique. Methodologically, this study demonstrates that merely using mean levels to describe HRQL may not elucidate meaningful relationships between important clinical outcomes, such as function and HRQL.

Complications of the Mainz Pouch II (Sigma Rectum Pouch)

Objective: The complications of the sigma rectum pouch were analyzed. Methods: A total of 60 patients who underwent a construction of the Mainz pouch II was analyzed retrospectively. Data on early complications was available for all patients, while long–term follow–up data was available for 50 patients. Results: Perioperative mortality was nil. Early complications were encountered in 2 (3.3%) patients. Oral alkalizing supplementation therapy was required in 30 (60%) of the patients; 3 (6%) patients needed hospitalization for severe acidosis and hypokalemia. Hydronephrosis developed in 5 (5%) of 98 renoureteral units anastomosed. Acute pyelonephritis was observed in 3 (8%) patients. All of the patients were continent except for 1 female patient who had had previous radiotherapy to the pelvis. The mean voiding frequency during the day and night was 5.1±1.1 and 1.9±0.7, respectively. The psychological state and general health of 2 patients became progressively worse until they died of probable malnutrition and metabolic abnormalities. Mechanical bowel obstruction developed in 1 patient 2 years after surgery. Conclusion: The complication rate of the Mainz pouch II appears to be acceptable with a median follow–up of 31 months. Patient selection and cooperation are of paramount importance for a successful outcome.

Arthritis related to ileal pouchitis following total proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis

Objective: To draw attention to arthritis that developed in patients who underwent total proctocolectomy with ileal pouch construction for ulcerative colitis (UC). Methods: The course of 4 patients who developed arthritis for the first time after ileal-anal pouch anastomosis is described. In addition, the relationship to the chronic inflammation of the pouch–pouchitis–is discussed. Results: The clinical manifestations were very similar to seronegative arthritis affecting mainly the joints of the lower extremities. It was accompanied by enthesopathy (2 patients) and by sacroiliitis (2 patients). All had active pouchitis. The abnormal laboratory test results were nonspecific, indicating chronic inflammation. All 4 patients tested negative for human leukocyte antigen (HLA) B27, and none had other concomitant extraintestinal manifestations. Steroids rapidly improved both the arthritis and pouchitis; however, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs were required to maintain remission with minimal daily steroids. Flares of the arthritis were always associated with active pouchitis, but the opposite was not necessarily true. Conclusions: Arthritis related to ileal pouchitis after total colectomy for UC has many similarities to the arthritis associated with inflammatory bowel disease and should be added to the list of enteropathic arthropathies. Semin Arthritis Rheum 30:242-248. Copyright © 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company

Clinical management and genetics of gastrointestinal polyps in children.

Clinical management and genetics of gastrointestinal polyps in children.

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

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.

Simple versus double jejunal pouch for reconstruction after total gastrectomy

Background: Even though many types of reconstruction after total gastrectomy have been proposed to reduce postgastrectomy syndromes, choosing a method that would further improve the quality of life and nutrition of the gastrectomized patient is controversial. Hunt-Lawrence single pouch reconstruction seems to obtain better results compared with the more common Roux-en-Y technique, but both of these reconstructive approaches are associated with some reduction in food intake and some problems in achievement of ideal body weight. Methods: In this prospective, randomized trial, after total gastrectomy 18 patients had reconstruction according to the Hunt-Lawrence or single pouch technique (SP group), whereas for 23 patients, the technique was modified with construction of a second pouch in the distal portion of the jejunal loop (DP group). Patients in the two groups were compared at 12 months after surgery for problems in gastrointestinal function, quality of life, improvement in body weight and nutritional parameters, serum albumin, hemoglobin level, and serum protein. Results: The DP group demonstrated fewer symptom problems, better weight maintenance, and better laboratory values when compared with patients undergoing standard single jejunal pouch reconstruction. Conclusions: Reconstruction with use of a double pouch as a gastric substitute leads to better outcome assessments than with a single pouch reconstruction. Our double pouch technique has demonstrated significant improvement in quality of life and nutritional recovery in terms of functional results as well as patient satisfaction.

Ileoanal Pouch versus Ileostomy: Is There a Difference in Quality of Life?

Ileoanal pouch (IAP) construction is arguably the procedure of choice to follow proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis (UC) or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Patients with UC or FAP at our institution choose their operation after counseling with the surgeon, with an enterostomal therapist, and with patients who have undergone IAP and proctocolectomy with ileostomy (IL). We studied these patients who chose IAP and IL, to determine differences in outcome and quality of life (QOL) between those two groups. We assessed outcomes by evaluating clinic and hospital records and surveyed patients' QOL via a standardized questionnaire. During a retrospective 10-year study period, 86 patients underwent evaluation for IAP construction for UC (64) and FAP (22). Fifty-five patients underwent IAP construction, and 31 underwent IL. There were no operative deaths. Thirty-four patients sustained 69 early and late complications (40%). The IAP group experienced a higher complication rate, 53 per cent, compared with the IL group, 16 per cent. Forty-five patients (56%) have completed questionnaires. Eighty-seven per cent of IAP patients and 93 per cent of IL patients responded that their overall QOL is "always" better since their operation (P = not significant). Both groups reported very favorable responses to questions regarding work, social life, family life, sleep, and relationships without statistically significant differences between the two groups. Despite a high complication rate, IAP is an excellent operation for many patients with UC or FAP, but patients who choose IL after preoperative counseling can be expected to have similar improvement in quality of life.

Facilitated vertical gastric pouch construction for gastric bypass.

Efforts to simplify and reduce surgical risk of gastric pouch construction in super obese patients have led to technical changes which are described. Operative technique of vertical gastric pouch construction and hand-sewn Roux gastrojejunostomy are described. 171 patients with average BMI = 55 have undergone gastric bypass with the modified technique, a majority with double stapling of the gastric pouch. Staple-line dehiscence is reduced and operative morbidity is limited. Technical changes described have shortened operative time, reduced intraoperative frustrations, and produced limited postoperative morbidity.

Poor Outcome of a Defunctioning Stoma after Pouch Construction for Ulcerative Colitis

Background: Restorative proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis can have complications necessitating a later defunctioning ileostomy with uncertain outcome. This analysis was undertaken to assess the outcome in patients needing a later defunctioning ileostomy after pouch construction in patients with ulcerative colitis. Method: The notes of our series of 154 patients who underwent restorative proctocolectomy and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for ulcerative colitis were reviewed and 28 patients identified who needed a later defunctioning ileostomy to deal with complications. Results: A later defunctioning ileostomy was necessary in 28 patients to deal with the following complications: sepsis in 11 patients (5 pouches failed), fistulas in 7 (5 pouches failed), poor function including ileoanal stenosis in 5 (all 5 failed), postoperative intraabdominal bleeding in 2 (both saved), pouchitis in 2 (1 excised) and small bowel obstruction in 1 (saved). 16 pouches were eventually excised or permanently defunctioned (59%). Conclusion: Complications necessitating a later defunctioning stoma after pouch construction carry a poor prognosis, especially when used for ileoanal stenosis and fistulae.

Zehn Jahre ileoanale Pouchanlagen (Die Sheffield-Erfahrung)

Restorative proctocolectomy is a well-established technique for maintaining intestinal continuity in patients requiring total colectomy. We have reviewed 103 consecutive ileoanal pouches to assess changes in operative technique and outcomes. Patients undergoing ileoanal pouch surgery under the care of one colorectal surgeon were prospectively studied over a 10-year period. We have compared the first half of the group (1987 to 1994) with the last half (1994 to 1997). One hundred and three patients underwent restorative proctocolectomy in the 10-year period. The majority of patients underwent proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis (90%) (see also Table 1). The basic technique of pouch construction has remained the same and this is reflected in similar operative times and blood losses. There was no difference regarding anastomotic leaks, bleeding from the pouch or pelvic sepsis between the 2 groups. There was a decrease in the number of anal stenoses in the later half, and this may reflect a reduction in the number of defunctioning ileostomies in this group. The complications associated with ileostomy and its reversal have thus decreased and this has resulted in a reduced total hospital stay in the most recent group. The learning curve for ileoanal pouch formation by an experienced colorectal surgeon is negligible. Changes in practice have, however, resulted in reduced inpatient stay (and therefore cost) associated with restorative proctocolectomy.

Abdominale Operationen bei Morbus Crohn

The majority of patients with Crohn's disease will eventually need surgery because of failed medical treatment or complications. There are relatively few randomized controlled trials on which rational surgical treatment has been based; most studies are retrospective. Limited resection margins, irrespective of microscopic disease, do not affect operative recurrence rates. Recent evidence suggests that side-to-side wide stapled anastomosis may be associated with reduced re-operation rates. Unfavourable conditions for anastomotic healing include malnutrition and sepsis; it remains uncertain whether exteriorisation or primary anastomosis with a proximal defunctioning loop ileostomy is the most appropriate treatment under these circumstances. Preliminary imaging is required to detect associated abscesses which should be drained prior to resection. Staged surgery with enteral or parenteral nutrition (TPN) may then allow a delayed safe primary anastomosis. Enteric fistulae require resection of affected bowel. High output fistulae need flud and electrolyte replacement with total parenteral nutrition (TPN). The role of anti-TNF α antibodies (infliximab) in the management of abdominal fistulae is discussed. Strictureplasty is a safe technique in a fit patient and is important for bowel conservation. Segmental resection of colonic disease is controversial but also conserves bowel; subtotal colectomy is less likely to lead to re-operation for recurrence, but the functional outcome is less favourable. Ileoanal pouch construction for selected patients with known Crohn's disease is highly controversial and cannot be recommended at the present time. Carcinoma is uncommon but may occur in a bypassed segment of bowel, including a defunctioned rectal stump. Surveillance remains controversial. The decision to operate on patients with Crohn's disease must be in a multi-diciplinary setting. Surgery is often complex, particularly with fistulating or recurrent disease, and decision making in some aspects of operative management can be difficult.

Jejunal pouch to avoid stricture after esophagojejunostomy with circular stapler

Background: Anastomotic stricture is one of the most common problems in esophagojejunostomy using the end-to-end anastomosing (EEA) instrument (Auto Suture Co, Norwalk, CT) after total gastrectomy. To alleviate the stricture, several methods, such as incision to the scar, balloon dilatation, and steroid injection are available. To avoid stricture, the jejunal pouch may allow use of a larger EEA than Roux-en-Y (ReY) reconstruction does. Study Design: A total of 45 patients underwent curative total gastrectomy and esophagojejunostomy with jejunal pouch construction (27 patients) or ReY (18 patients), using the EEA. The effects of jejunal pouch construction with a large EEA on avoidance of stricture and benefit to nutritional status were investigated by comparing it with the ReY in terms of postoperative morbidity, postprandial symptoms, and nutritional parameters (serum protein, serum albumin, body weight). Results: EEA28 or larger could be used in 25 patients in the pouch group and 8 patients in the ReY group (p < 0.05). Stricture developed in one patient in the pouch group and in four patients in the ReY group (p < 0.05). Postprandial symptoms were experienced less frequently (p < 0.05) in the pouch group than in the ReY group. When stricture and symptoms were analyzed according to the size of EEA, they occurred more frequently (p < 0.05) in the patients with EEA25 than those with EEA28 or EEA31. No significant differences were evident in nutritional parameters. Conclusions: The choice of jejunal pouch technique allowed the use of a larger EEA than that of ReY reconstruction, resulting in avoidance of anastomotic stricture and postprandial symptoms, though little benefit in nutritional status was evident to the patients after total gastrectomy.

Alternative technique for creation of a proximal gastric pouch in laparoscopic adjustable silicone gastric banding.

Laparoscopic adjustable silicone gastric banding (LASGB) has become a widely used procedure for the treatment of morbid obesity. The original operation, as described by Kuzmak, has been subjected to modifications. Construction of a proximal gastric pouch is an important part of the operation. Until now, we used the technique of Niville. Since this was often complicated by gastric bleeding and/or serosal tears, we developed a new technique to construct a pouch. A new technique, using a thread previously fixed to that portion of the fundus that will be used to construct the pouch, is described. A safe and easy adaptation of the LASGB technique is proposed to create the gastric pouch.

Pouch-sacral Fistula Three Years after Restorative Proctocolectomy for Ulcerative Colitis

Fistula formation after restorative proctocolectomy poses a challenge to the surgeon and sometimes can lead to the excision of the pouch. A 21-year-old female patient developed an ileal J-pouch-sacral fistula with abscess and osteomyelitis of the sacrum, more than three years alter the pouch construction for ulcerative colitis. Two months prior to this event, the patient had a single and transient episode of pouchitis. The role of pouchitis in the aetiopathogenesis of the fistula is unclear. To our knowledge, the late development of such a fistula has not been reported previously.

Functional outcome of conversion of ileorectal anastomosis to ileal pouch-anal anastomosis in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis and ulcerative colitis.

The aim of this study was to review the functional outcome in 20 patients with familial adenomatous polyposis and ulcerative colitis who were converted from ileorectal anastomosis to ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. From 1985 to 1997, 12 patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (5 males; mean age, 39.1 years) and 8 patients with ulcerative colitis (5 males; mean age, 36.7 years) underwent conversion from ileorectal anastomosis to ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. Clinical and operative data were analyzed retrospectively. Functional results were obtained by telephone interview in 16 patients (94 percent) after pouch construction. Four patients were not interviewed (2 were deceased, 1 was lost to follow-up, and 1 was not reachable). Indications for conversion were uncontrollable rectal polyps (10 patients) and colonic cancer found in the pathology specimen after ileorectal anastomosis in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (2 patients), intractable proctitis (5 patients), colonic cancer found in the pathology specimen of patients with ulcerative colitis after ileorectal anastomosis (2 patients), and rectal dysplasia (1 patients). Mean follow-up time was 5 (range, 1-11) years. Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis was handsewn in 14 patients, and the remaining cases were double-stapled in 4 patients with ulcerative colitis. No intraoperative difficulties were reported in 13 cases; technical problems were related to adhesions (3 cases), difficult rectal dissection (2 cases), and stapler-related difficulties (2 cases). Postoperative complications after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis included small-bowel obstruction (4 patients) and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis leak (1 patient). Patients with ileorectal anastomosis vs. those with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis had a better functional outcome with regard to nighttime continence (14 (88 percent) vs. 6 (38 percent) patients) and average bowel movements (<6/day; 12 (75 percent) vs. 4 (25 percent) patients). Complete daytime continence, 15 (94 percent) vs. 10 (62 percent) patients, was similar in the two groups. Physical and emotional well-being were similarly rated as very good to excellent. In patients with familial adenomatous polyposis and ulcerative colitis with ileorectal anastomosis, conversion to ileal pouch-anal anastomosis may be required. In view of the risk of rectal cancer or intractable proctitis, patients seem to accept the conversion in spite of poorer bowel function.

Proctectomy and coloanal anastomosis for rectal cancer.

Fueled by a greater understanding of pelvic physiology along with an improved comprehension of rectal cancer spread, we are now able to offer most patients restoration of intestinal continuity following oncologic proctectomy. Coloanal or ultralow colorectal anastomosis can be performed in most patients with midrectal cancers, provided that anal sphincter function is not impaired preoperatively. Functional results may be improved by construction of a colonic pouch with pouch-anal anastomosis. Temporary fecal diversion, usually with a diverting loop ileostomy, may be prudent, especially in patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemoradiation.

Laparoscopic assisted cystectomy and lymphadenectomy for bladder cancer: initial experience.

This study discusses our initial experience in the field of laparoscopic management of bladder carcinoma. Ten patients with invasive bladder tumors of variable histology and ranging from stage T2 to T3b were submitted to this procedure. Intraoperative assessment, lateral dissection, posterior dissection, anterior dissection, and urethral transection were achieved laparoscopically. The specimen retrieval and continent pouch construction was performed through a limited abdominal incision. This new regimen allows precise radical lymphadenectomy, early postoperative mobility, fewer wound complications, and shorter hospital stay. The early postoperative results of this procedure are encouraging. Modification and continuous refinement of the technique is still ongoing.