Pouch Inlet Research Articles

Clinical Significance of Surveillance Pouchoscopy in Asymptomatic Ileal Pouch Patients with Underlying Inflammatory Bowel

Purpose: 1) To evaluate the frequency of dysplasia detected in asymptomatic patients undergoing surveillance pouchoscopy; 2) To investigate the frequency and risk factors of various pouch disorders incidentally found on the surveillance pouchoscopy. Methods: This cross-sectional study included all consecutive patients referred for surveillance pouchoscopy in our subspecialty Pouchitis Clinic from 2002-2011. Symptomatic patients undergoing diagnostic pouchoscopy and pouch patients with underlying familial adenomatous polyposis were excluded. Univariable and multivariable analyses. Results: A total of 138 patients met the inclusion criteria and were included, with 72 (52.2%) being male. The mean age at the time of ileal pouch construction was 45.4±15.0 years, with the mean interval from stoma closure to the inception surveillance pouchoscopy of 89.4 ± 78.8 months. We found 1 patient with indefinite dysplasia on pouch mucosal biopsy (0.7%) and 2 patients with non-caseating granulomas, suggesting Crohn's disease (CD) of the pouch. Of all patients, 69 (50.0%) had abnormal endoscopic findings, 102 (73.9%) had abnormal histopathological changes (including acute and chronic inflammation, pyloric gland metaplasia), and 64 (46.4%) had both during the surveillance pouchoscopy. The abnormal endoscopic findings included pouch ulcer (n=29, 21.0 %), pouchitis (n=31, 22.5%), inflammatory polyps (n=10; 7.2%), and pouch strictures at the anastomosis (n=5, 3.6%)), pouch inlet (n=10; 7.2 %), pouch outlet (n=2, 1.4%). Thirteen patients with pouch strictures underwent endoscopic balloon dilatation and nine patients had endoscopic polypectomy. Compared with patients who had normal endoscopic findings, patients with abnormal endoscopy were more likely to have a preoperative diagnosis of CD (p=0.026) and have concomitant extraintestinal manifestations (EIM, p=0.011). However, no significant difference was identified between the two groups in other 21 demographic and clinical variables. Multivariable analysis showed that patients with a preoperative diagnosis of CD and concomitant EIM had a high risk for have abnormal pouch endoscopic findings with odds ratios of 2.552 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.108˜16.545, p=0.035) and 4.281 (CI: 1.204˜5.409, p=0.014) respectively. Conclusion: Dysplasia or cancer appeared to be rare in asymptomatic patients with IPAA who underwent the one-time pouchoscopy. However, approximately ½ of the patients had “incidental” abnormal findings on pouchoscopy and some of them had clinically-indicated endoscopic therapeutic intervention. Therefore, the surveillance pouchoscopy may deliver the benefits of diagnostic and therapeutic maneuvers in other pouch disorders, particularly for those with a preoperative diagnosis of CD or EIM.Table: Multivariate analysis of risk factors associated with abnormal endoscopic findings in asymptomatic patients with ileal pouches

Genetic Risk Profiling and Gene Signature Modeling to Predict Risk of Complications After IPAA

Severe pouchitis and Crohn's disease-like complications are 2 adverse postoperative complications that confound the success of the IPAA in patients with ulcerative colitis. To date, approximately 83 single nucleotide polymorphisms within 55 genes have been associated with IBD. The aim of this study was to identify single-nucleotide polymorphisms that correlate with complications after IPAA that could be utilized in a gene signature fashion to predict postoperative complications and aid in preoperative surgical decision making. One hundred forty-two IPAA patients were retrospectively classified as "asymptomatic" (n = 104, defined as no Crohn's disease-like complications or severe pouchitis for at least 2 years after IPAA) and compared with a "severe pouchitis" group (n = 12, ≥ 4 episodes pouchitis per year for 2 years including the need for long-term therapy to maintain remission) and a "Crohn's disease-like" group (n = 26, presence of fistulae, pouch inlet stricture, proximal small-bowel disease, or pouch granulomata, occurring at least 6 months after surgery). Genotyping for 83 single-nucleotide polymorphisms previously associated with Crohn's disease and/or ulcerative colitis was performed on a customized Illumina genotyping platform. The top 2 single-nucleotide polymorphisms statistically identified as being independently associated with each of Crohn's disease-like and severe pouchitis were used in a multivariate logistic regression model. These single-nucleotide polymorphisms were then used to create probability equations to predict overall chance of a positive or negative outcome for that complication. The top 2 single-nucleotide polymorphisms for Crohn's disease-like complications were in the 10q21 locus and the gene for PTGER4 (p = 0.006 and 0.007), whereas for severe pouchitis it was NOD2 and TNFSF15 (p = 0.003 and 0.011). Probability equations suggested that the risk of these 2 complications greatly increased with increasing number of risk alleles, going as high as 92% for severe pouchitis and 65% for Crohn's disease-like complications. In this IPAA patient cohort, mutations in the 10q21 locus and the PTGER4 gene were associated with Crohn's disease-like complications, whereas mutations in NOD2 and TNFSF15 correlated with severe pouchitis. Preoperative genetic analysis and use of such gene signatures hold promise for improved preoperative surgical patient selection to minimize these IPAA complications.

Efficacy and safety of endoscopic treatment of ileal pouch strictures

Endoscopic management of ileal pouch strictures has not been systemically studied. The aim was to evaluate endoscopic balloon therapy of pouch strictures in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients with ileal pouches and to identify risk factors for pouch failure for those patients. Consecutive IBD patients with pouches from the Pouchitis Clinic who underwent nonfluoroscopy-guided outpatient endoscopic therapy were studied. The location, number, degree (range 0-3), and length of strictures and balloon size were documented. Efficacy and safety were evaluated with univariate and multivariate analyses. A total of 150 patients with pouch strictures were studied. Stricture locations were at the pouch inlet (n = 96), outlet (n = 73), afferent limb (n = 33), and pouch body (n = 2). A cumulative of 646 strictures were endoscopically dilated, with a total of 406 pouchoscopies. The median stricture score was 1 (interquartile range [IQR] 1-2); the median stricture length was 1 (IQR 0.5-1.25) cm, and the median balloon size was 20 (IQR 18-20) mm. Of 406 therapeutic endoscopies performed, there were two perforations (0.46%) and four transfusion-required bleeding (0.98%). The 5-, 10-, and 25-year pouch retention rates were 97%, 90.6%, and 85.9%, respectively. In a median follow-up of 9.6 (IQR 6-17) years, 131 patients (87.3%) were able to retain their pouches. The number of strictures and underlying diagnosis were independent risk factors for pouch failure in the Cox regression model. Endoscopic treatment of pouch stricture appears to be efficacious and generally safe to perform in experienced hands. Underlying diagnosis of Crohn's disease of the pouch and surgery-related strictures and multiple strictures were the risk factors for pouch failure.

Diagnosis and management of afferent limb syndrome in patients with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis

Distal small bowel obstruction following ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) can occur secondary to acute angulation or prolapse of the afferent limb at the pouch inlet, namely, afferent limb syndrome (ALS). The aim of this study is to report our experience in diagnosis and management of ALS in patients with IPAA. All patients with ALS after IPAA were identified from prospectively maintained databases. Demographic, clinical, endoscopic, and radiographic features together with its management and outcome were studied. Eighteen patients (12 female) were included. The mean age was 35.6 ± 14.3 years. Most patients presented with intermittent obstructive symptoms. Fifteen patients were diagnosed by pouch endoscopy with features of angulation of the pouch inlet and difficulty in intubating the afferent limb; 12 patients had kinking or narrowing of the pouch inlet identified with abdominal imaging. The median follow-up was 1.3 (range, 0.14-16.1) years. Nine patients underwent empiric balloon dilatation of the afferent limb/pouch inlet. Of nine, four needed repeat dilatations. One patient with repeat dilatation ultimately had pouch excision; another has been scheduled for surgery after failed repeat dilatations. Eight patients underwent surgery, resection of angulated bowel (n = 3), pouchopexy (n = 2), pouch mobilization with small bowel fixation (n = 1), and pouch excision (n = 2). One patient without symptoms did not receive any therapy despite the finding of ALS on pouchoscopy. ALS was characterized by clinical presentation of partial small bowel obstruction, which can be diagnosed by careful pouchoscopy and/or abdominal imaging. Endoscopic or surgical intervention is often needed and surgical therapy appears to be more definitive.

Successful endoscopic wire-guided balloon dilatation of angulated and tight ileal pouch strictures without fluoroscopy

Ileal pouch strictures that are visually inaccessible by an endoscope may be balloon-dilated by exchange guide wire across the stricture with the aid of fluoroscopy. We present a technique of wire-guided balloon dilation without fluoroscopy to navigate strictures in the ileal pouch. A 50-year-old Caucasian female presented with a 24-year history of ulcerative colitis (UC) with restorative proctocolectomy and ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) for 7 years. She developed Crohn's disease (CD) of the pouch with multiple strictures at the afferent limb of the pouch and a pouch-vaginal fistula. On pouchoscopy, the patient had two strictures at the distal neoterminal ileum, at 10 cm and 15 cm proximal to the pouch inlet. In retrospect, the distal stricture was angulated and 1 cm in length, and the proximal one was ulcerated and pinhole in size, which prevented the passage of an endoscope (9.8-mm single-channel, GIF-H180; Olympus Optical, Tokyo, Japan). The stricture number and locations were confirmed by retrograde water-soluble contrast X-ray. There was great difficulty in negotiating the strictures with balloon dilation and hence concern that blind passage of the balloon into the strictures might induce mucosal trauma or perforation. A controlled radial expansion (CRE) wire-guided balloon dilation catheter (CRE TM Single-Use Wire Guided Balloon Dilator; Boston Scientific Microvasive, Natick, MA) was introduced through the scope. Wire exchange technique was applied with help of our endoscopy nurse (A.O.). The guide wire was passed through the strictures without any resistance under endoscopy view. Subsequently, the balloon was introduced across the strictures, and both were successfully dilated to 16 mm (Videos 1 and 2). The procedure and postprocedure course were uneventful, and patient reported great symptomatic relief. Endoscopic guide-wire balloon dilation without fluoroscopic guidance appears to be feasible for CD-related strictures in experienced hands.

Ileoanal Pouch Inlet Obstruction Following Cesarean Section

Ileoanal Pouch Inlet Obstruction Following Cesarean Section

A Prospective Analysis of Clinical Variables, Serologic Factors, and Outcome of Ileal Pouch-Anal Anastomosis in Patients With Backwash Ileitis

The outcome of ileal pouch-anal anastomosis in patients with backwash ileitis is controversial. We prospectively compared the outcomes of ileal pouch-anal anastomosis in colitis patients with backwash ileitis and colitis patients without backwash ileitis. Consecutive colitis patients undergoing ileal pouch-anal anastomosis were reviewed. All patients were classified after surgery as being either backwash ileitis-positive or backwash ileitis-negative. Serum drawn preoperatively was assayed, using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, for anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae, anti-outer membrane of porin C, anti-CBir1, anti-I2, and perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody. Outcomes included acute pouchitis (antibiotic responsive), chronic pouchitis (antibiotic dependent or refractory), or de novo Crohn's disease (small inflammation above the pouch inlet or pouch fistula). Out of 334 patients, 39 (12%) were backwash ileitis-positive. Compared with backwash ileitis-negative patients, backwash ileitis-positive patients had a higher incidence of pancolitis (100% vs 74%; P = .0001), primary sclerosing cholangitis (15% vs 2%; P = .001) and high-level (>100 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay units/ml) perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody expression (29% vs 9%; P = .001). After a median follow-up of 26 months, 53 patients (16%) developed acute pouchitis, 37 (11%) developed chronic pouchitis, and 40 (12%) developed de novo Crohn's disease. There was no significant difference between the backwash ileitis-positive and backwash ileitis-negative patient groups in the incidence of acute pouchitis, chronic pouchitis, or de novo Crohn's disease. There was a significantly higher incidence of pancolitis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, and high-level perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody expression in backwash ileitis-positive patients than in backwash ileitis-negative patients. The incidence of acute pouchitis, chronic pouchitis, and de novo Crohn's disease after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis does not differ significantly between backwash ileitis-positive and backwash ileitis-negative patients.

Evaluation of endoscopic and imaging modalities in the diagnosis of structural disorders of the ileal pouch

Computerized tomography enterography (CTE), gastrograffin enema (GGE), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and pouch endoscopy (PES) have commonly been used to assess ileal pouch disorders. However, their diagnostic utility has not been systematically evaluated. The aims of this study were to compare these imaging techniques to each other and to optimize diagnosis of pouch disorders by using a combination of these diagnostic modalities. Clinical data of patients from the Pouchitis Clinic from 2003 to 2008 who had a PES and at least 1 additional imaging modalities (CTE, GGE, or MRI) used for evaluation of ileal pouch disorders were retrospectively evaluated. We analyzed the accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value (NPV), and positive predictive value (PPV) with which these tests were able diagnose pouch inlet and distal small bowel and pouch outlet strictures, pouch fistulas, sinuses, and leaks. Subsequently, accuracy was recalculated by combining 2 imaging modalities to see if this could enhance accuracy. A total of 66 patients underwent evaluation with PES and 1 other imaging modality as follows: PES + CTE (n = 23), PES + GGE (n = 34), and PES + MRI (n = 26). The mean age was 41.5 +/- 14.5 years, with 28 being female (42.4%). Sixty patients (90.9%) had J pouches and 59 (89.4%) had a preoperative diagnosis of ulcerative colitis. Overall, CTE, GGE, MRI, and PES all had reasonable accuracy for the diagnosis of small bowel and inlet strictures (73.9%-95.4%), outlet strictures (87.9%-92.3%), fistula (76.9%-84.8%), sinus (68.0%-93.9%), and pouch leak (83-93.9%). CTE had the lowest accuracy for small bowel and inlet strictures (73.9%) and MRI had the lowest accuracy for pouch sinus (68.0%). Combining 2 imaging tests can increase the accuracy of diagnosis to 100% for strictures, fistulas, sinus, and pouch leaks. CTE, GGE, MRI, and PES offer complementary information on disorders of the pouch and the combination of these tests increases diagnostic accuracy for complex cases.

A Prospective Evaluation of the Long-Term Outcome of Ileal Pouch-Anal Anastomosis in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease-Unclassified and Indeterminate Colitis

The long-term outcome of ileal pouch-anal anastomosis in patients with indeterminate colitis is controversial. The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate the long-term outcome of ileal pouch-anal anastomosis in a closely monitored cohort of patients with ulcerative colitis or indeterminate colitis. Prospectively generated clinical profiles on consecutive patients with ulcerative colitis or indeterminate colitis undergoing ileal pouch-anal anastomosis with close postoperative follow-up by one surgeon were reviewed. All patients were classified before surgery as either ulcerative colitis or inflammatory bowel disease-unclassified, and after surgery as either ulcerative colitis or indeterminate colitis. Long-term outcomes included acute pouchitis (antibiotic responsive), chronic pouchitis (antibiotic dependent or refractory), or de novo Crohn's disease (small inflammation above the pouch inlet or pouch fistula). The study cohort of 334 patients were classified before surgery as ulcerative colitis in 237 (71 percent) and inflammatory bowel disease-unclassified in 97 (29 percent). After surgery, patients were classified as ulcerative colitis in 236 (71 percent) and indeterminate colitis in 98 (29 percent). After a median follow-up after stoma closure of 26 months, 53 patients (16 percent) developed acute pouchitis, 37 patients (11 percent) developed chronic pouchitis, and 40 patients (12 percent) developed de novo Crohn's disease. There was no significant difference in the incidence of acute pouchitis, chronic pouchitis, or de novo Crohn's disease between the ulcerative colitis, inflammatory bowel disease-unclassified, and indeterminate colitis patient groups. The incidence of acute pouchitis, chronic pouchitis, and de novo Crohn's disease after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis do not differ significantly between patients with ulcerative colitis, inflammatory bowel disease-unclassified, or indeterminate colitis. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease-unclassified and indeterminate colitis can undergo ileal pouch-anal anastomosis and expect a long-term outcome equivalent to patients with ulcerative colitis.

Endoscopic Balloon Dilation of Ileal Pouch Strictures

Restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis is the surgical treatment of choice in patients with ulcerative colitis. Strictures can occur at the inlet and outlet of the pouch. Endoscopic balloon dilation has been successfully used in patients with Crohn's strictures at the small intestine and colon. There are no published trials on endoscopic balloon therapy of ileal pouch strictures. To evaluate outpatient endoscopic balloon dilation of strictures in ileal pouches. Patients underwent nonfluoroscopy-guided, nonsedated, outpatient endoscopic dilations with an 8.6-mm upper endoscope and through-the-scope balloons (size: 11-18 mm). Pre- and posttreatment Pouchitis Disease Activity Index symptom scores (range: 0-6), endoscopic stricture scores based on resistance in passing the endoscope (range: 0-4), and Cleveland Global Quality of Life were compared. Nineteen patients with pouch strictures who had concurrent Crohn's disease of the pouch (n = 11), cuffitis (n = 5), and pouchitis (n = 3), including 14 inlet and 14 outlet strictures, were enrolled. The mean number of strictures for each patient was 1.61 +/- 0.78. All strictures were successfully dilated with the through-the-scope balloon, with a mean of 1.74 +/- 1.19 (range: 1-5) sessions for each patient. Nine patients had a second endoscopy at 8 wk and five patients had a third pouch endoscopy at 16 wk after the initial endoscopic dilation. Endoscopic stricture scores immediately (0.30 +/- 0.47), 8 wk (0.40 +/- 0.51), and 16 wk (0.44 +/- 0.76) after the dilation were significantly improved compared to the predilation stricture scores (2.67 +/- 0.78). The symptom scores and quality-of-life (QOL) scores improved at week 8 and 16 following dilation, with a mean follow-up of 6.10 +/- 5.83 months (2-25 months). No complications were experienced with the procedure. One patient with CD who failed endoscopic and medical therapy underwent pouch resection. In conjunction with medical therapy, outpatient endoscopic balloon dilation appears safe and effective in treating pouch inlet and outlet strictures, by relieving symptoms, restoring pouch patency, and improving QOL in the majority of patients.

Endoscopic Balloon Dilation Is Safe and Effective in Patients with Ileal Pouch Strictures

Background: Total proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) is the surgical treatment of choice in ulcerative colitis (UC). Strictures at the inlet and outlet of the pouch are common and can be due to Crohn's disease or complications related to the surgery. There are no published trials on treatment of ileal pouch strictures. Aim: To evaluate endoscopic balloon dilatation of strictures in IPAA. Methods: Thirteen IPAA patients with strictures who were initially operated on for refractory UC were included. We performed nonfluoroscopy-guided, non-sedated, outpatient endoscopic dilations with an 8 mm upper endoscope and through-the-scope balloons (size 8-13 mm). We compared pre- and post-treatment Pouchitis Disease Activity Index (PDAI) symptom scores (range 0-6), endoscopic stricture scores based on resistance in passing the endoscope (0, no resistance; 1, mild resistance; 2, moderated resistance; 3, severe resistance, 4. pinhole and not traversable), Cleveland Global Quality of Life (CGQL, range 0-1.0, with 1 being the best quality of life). No change in medicines occurred during the study period. Results: 13 patients (mean age, 34 ± 12; M:F, 5/8) with a total number of 22 strictures (14 inlet and 8 outlet strictures, and a mean number of 1.7 ± 0.8 strictures, were enrolled (Table). 8 patients (62%) were diagnosed with Crohn's disease of the pouch postoperatively. 6 patients (46%) had concomitant pouchitis. 7 patients (54%) had a 2nd follow-up endoscopy 8 weeks after the initial endoscopic dilation. There was no difference in response to dilatation between inlet and outlet strictures (P = 0.32) None of the patients experienced discomfort, pain, bleeding, or perforation from the dilation. Conclusion: Endoscopic balloon dilation is safe, effective, and feasible in treating IPAA strictures, by improving symptoms, restoring pouch inlet and outlet patency, and potentially improving quality of life.

Crohn's-like complications in patients with ulcerative colitis after total proctocolectomy and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis.

Total proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) has become an established surgical procedure for ulcerative colitis. Occasional patients who have undergone IPAA develop persistent or recurrent episodes of pouchitis (chronic pouchitis), from which a subset also develop gastrointestinal and systemic complications that are identical to those seen in Crohn's disease. These complications include enteric stenoses or fistulas in the pouch or pouch inlet segment, perianal fistulas or abscesses, pouch fistulas, arthritis, iridocyclitis, and pyoderma gangrenosum. The development of Crohn's-like gastrointestinal complications in a patient with chronic pouchitis frequently engenders concern that the pathologist misinterpreted the proctocolectomy specimen as ulcerative colitis instead of Crohn's disease. We describe eight patients who developed chronic pouchitis and Crohn's-like complications after IPAA and total proctocolectomy. In each case, concern was voiced about misinterpretation of the proctocolectomy specimen as ulcerative colitis instead of Crohn's disease after the development of the Crohn's-like complications. Preoperatively, all eight patients had characteristic clinical, radiographic, and pathologic features of ulcerative colitis. Review of the pathology specimens indicated that all eight had ulcerative colitis. Crohn's-like complications are most likely related to chronic pouchitis, which probably is a form of recrudescent ulcerative colitis within the novel environment of the pouch. A diagnosis of Crohn's disease after IPAA surgery should only be made when reexamination of the original proctocolectomy specimen shows typical pathologic features of Crohn's disease, Crohn's disease arises in parts of the gastrointestinal tract distant from the pouch, pouch biopsies contain active enteritis with granulomas, or excised pouches show the characteristic features of Crohn's disease, including granulomas. There were no histologic differences in the total colectomy specimens between the eight ulcerative colitis study patients and 16 control ulcerative colitis patients who had a favorable clinical outcome after IPAA surgery groups. Crohn's-like complications and chronic pouchitis does not necessarily imply an incorrect original interpretation of ulcerative colitis by the pathologist.

Afferent limb obstruction complicating ileal pouch-anal anastomosis.

Small-bowel obstruction is a common complication after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA). Acute angulation of the afferent limb at the pouch inlet is the cause of obstruction in a subset of patients requiring laparotomy. Patients were identified from the Lahey Clinic ileoanal pouch registry, a prospective computerized database of all patients who have undergone IPAA since 1980. Records of patients who were identified as having afferent limb obstruction as a cause of bowel obstruction after IPAA were reviewed. A total of 567 patients had undergone total proctocolectomy and ileoanal J-pouch at time of the study. Of 122 patients with one or more episodes of obstruction after IPAA, 48 required operative intervention. Afferent limb obstruction was identified as the cause of obstruction in six patients (12 percent). The most common presentation was recurrent partial obstruction (4 of 6 patients). Contrast small-bowel series and enemas were suggestive of obstruction in four of six patients, the most consistent radiographic finding being small-bowel dilation to the level of the pouch inlet. All patients underwent laparotomy for unresolved obstruction. Intraoperatively, the afferent limb was found to be adherent posterior to the pouch, causing acute angulation at the pouch inlet. Rather than risk injury to the pouch or its mesentery, the obstruction was bypassed by side-to-side anastomosis of the afferent limb to the pouch (enteroenterostomy) in five of six patients. One patient underwent ileostomy only because of technical considerations. Two patients required re-exploration and pexy of the afferent limb to the pelvic sidewall (pouchopexy) to relieve recurrent afferent limb obstruction. Afferent limb obstruction should be suspected in patients with recurrent obstruction after IPAA. Bypass of the obstructed segment from distal ileum to the pouch is safe and effective treatment. Because of the risk of recurrent afferent limb angulation, concurrent pouchopexy should be considered.

Surgical treatment and role of dynamic defecography after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis: technical solutions to a difficult problem.

Patients with an ileal pouch-anal anastomosis may develop impaired evacuation of the pouch. A new surgical approach and the role of dynamic defecography in such patients are highlighted. Five patients with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis were assessed clinically and with dynamic defecography before and after reoperation. In one patient an extensive approach with complete pouch mobilization, stenoplasty of a pouch outlet stenosis, shortening of the rectal remnant, and renewed pouch-anal anastomosis were needed; in three patients, a long and angulated efferent limb was shortened by transabdominal techniques (stenoplasty or a newly developed technique with a linear stapler), and in one patient a pouch inlet stenosis was corrected. In all patients, impaired emptying was cured; in all patients, obstructive abdominal pain improved considerably. Dynamic defecography is indispensable for tailoring surgical treatment. Effective transabdominal shortening of the efferent limb can be performed with the aid of a linear stapler.