Pouch Surgery For Ulcerative Colitis Research Articles

Population outcomes, trends and the future of pouch surgery for ulcerative colitis: a 19-year New South Wales data linkage study.

Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) is considered the gold standard reconstructive option in ulcerative colitis (UC). Recent efforts to improve pouch outcomes have seen a push towards centralisation of surgery. This study aimed to document outcomes following pouch surgery at a population level within New South Wales (NSW), and identify factors associated with, and temporal trends of these outcomes. A retrospective data linkage study of the NSW population over a 19-year period was performed. The primary outcome was pouch failure in patients with UC who underwent IPAA. The influence of hospital level factors (including annual volume) and patient demographic variables on this outcome were assessed using Cox proportional hazards modelling. Temporal trends in annual volume and evidence for centralisation over the studied period were assessed using Poisson regression analysis. The annual volume of UC pouches reduced over the study period. The pouch failure rates were 8.6% (95% CI 6.3-10.8%) and 10.6% (95% CI 8.0-13.1%) at 5- and 10-years, respectively. Increasing age and non-elective admission were associated with higher failure rates. One-third of UC pouches (31.6%) were performed in a single institution, which averaged 6.5 pouches/year throughout the study period. Three-quarters (19/25) of NSW public hospitals who performed pouches performed less than one UC pouch annually. The outcomes following UC pouch surgery in NSW are comparable with global standards. Concentrating IBD pouch surgery with the aim of producing specialist surgical teams may be a reasonable way forward in NSW and would ensure equity of access and facilitate research and training collaboration.

Pouch failure in patients with ulcerative colitis

AIM: to assess results of pouch surgery for ulcerative colitis (UC).PATIENTS AND METHODS: the retrospective single-center study included 144 patients who underwent J-pouch surgery in 2011–2018 (4 patients refused ileostomy closure due to nonmedical reasons and were excluded from analysis). Median follow-up was 32 (20; 43) months. The definition of «pouch failure» (PF) was clarified as a condition, when J-pouch associated complications do not permit ileostomy closure ≥ 12 months or more after pouch surgery.RESULTS: PF was detected in 30/140 (21.4%) cases and only in 8/140 (5,7%) patients pouch was removed. The most common complication identified by PF was pouch fistula, which was detected in 16/30 (53.3%) patients. Of the 30 patients with PF, 22 (73.3%) managed to “save” the pouch, of which — in 11/30 (36.7%) cases, anal defecation was restored, and in other cases — 11 (36. 7%) the ileostomy was not closed, but the pouch was preserved and is being treated conservatively. In 9/30 (30%) patients, the identified complications were performed by transanal removal of the remaining part of the rectum with the formation of a pouch-anal anastomosis, followed by closure of the ileostomy. In 8/30 (26.6%) cases pouch was removed. The multivariant analysis revealed hypoalbuminemia at the time of pouch surgery (OR = 5.74; 95% CI = 1.83–18.01; p = 0.003) as independent risk factors for PF.CONCLUSION: the only independent risk factor for complications which lead to PF was hypoalbuminemia. Multi-stage surgical treatment of complications associated with the pouch made it possible to “save” the ileal pouch in 22/30 (73.3%) cases, and completely overcome PF and restore anal defecation in 11/30 (36.7%) cases. In 8/140 (5.7%) patients, the pouch had to be removed and a permanent ileostomy was done.

Pouchitis: Clinical Features, Diagnosis, and Treatment.

Procto-colectomy with an ileal pouch anal anastomosis is the procedure of choice for ulcerative colitis patients that require colectomy. Pouchitis is a non-specific inflammation of the ileal reservoir, and the most common, inflammatory and long-term, complication after pouch surgery for ulcerative colitis. The aetiology is still unknown, but many risk factors have been individuated. Pouchitis can be classified based on aetiology, duration, clinical course, and response to antibiotic therapy. Accurate diagnosis and classification is the key factor for an adequate management, and exclusion of secondary causes of pouchitis is pivotal. Most of the patients consistently respond to antibiotic therapy, but management of the subgroup of patients with chronic-antibiotic-resistant-pouchitis is still challenging, being this entity one of the major causes of pouch failure.

Anastomotic leak does not affect long-term and longitudinal functional outcomes after ileal pouch surgery for ulcerative colitis when managed aggressively.

Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) is an effective surgical alternative to a permanent ileostomy following proctocolectomy in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). Anastomotic leakage (AL) is a serious postoperative complication of an intestinal anastomosis that is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the longitudinal long-term functional outcomes of patients who had IPAA that was complicated by AL. A retrospective longitudinal cohort study was performed of patients who had an IPAA procedure at a tertiary referral centre and a metropolitan private centre in Australia, over a 14-year period (October 2003-October 2017). The long-term functional outcome was assessed using objective clinical measures such as the number of bowel motions during the day and overnight, ability to defer defaecation and the presence of faecal incontinence, and repeated at annual intervals. A total of 138 patients [mean age 38.5 (± 16.9) years, 72 males] satisfied the inclusion criteria. AL was diagnosed in 14 (10%) patients [mean age 38.8 (± 17) years, 10 males], 11 (79%) of which were managed with surgery. The median bowel motion frequency during the day and overnight remained stable over a median of 62 (28-91) months follow-up, with no significant difference between those who had AL or not (p = 0.6, p = 0.1 respectively). The incidence of faecal incontinence remained low, and the majority of patients in both groups were able to defer defaecation for more than 60min. Six patients (4.3%) had their pouch excised. There is no statistical difference in longitudinal function between patients who experienced AL after IPAA surgery for UC compared with those who did not. Therefore, an acute AL does not negatively impact long-term functional outcomes in IPAA patients.

Anti-TNF and Pouch Surgery for Ulcerative Colitis: The Ones who Blame for More Complications?

Since the approval in 2005 of anti-TNF drugs for the treatment of ulcerative colitis, concerns have been raised about the potential detrimental effect of these agents on postoperative infectious complications related to pouch surgery. Data on this topic are controversial and mostly derived from retrospective underpowered cohort studies largely affected by relevant bias. Three meta-analyses have been published with contradictory results. Moreover, the correlation between serum levels of infliximab at the time of surgery and the occurrence of septic postoperative complication is far to be proven and remains an answered research question. The construction of an ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) as first surgical step in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) refractory to medical treatment seems to be associated with an increased risk of septic complications. Population-based data from the United States show a shift towards stage surgery for patients with refractory UC as a consequence of the widespread use of biological agents and the increased tendency to consider surgery as ultimate resort (step-up approach). In this setting, the classic 3-stage procedure (ileoanal pouch and diversion ileostomy after initial total colectomy) together with the modified 2-stage approach (ileoanal pouch without diversion ileostomy after initial total colectomy) are both effective options. Whether or not a diversion ileostomy could prevent pouch complications at the time of the pouch construction during the second stage of surgery is still a matter of debate. Emerging data seem to claim for increased risk of small bowel obstructions related to the presence of a stoma without proven effect on the prevention of anastomotic leak.

Establishing Key Performance Indicators [KPIs] and Their Importance for the Surgical Management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease-Results From a Pan-European, Delphi Consensus Study.

Key performance indicators [KPIs] exist across a range of areas in medicine. They help to monitor outcomes, reduce variation, and drive up standards across services. KPIs exist for inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] care, but none specifically cover inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] surgical service provision. This was a consensus-based study using a panel of expert IBD clinicians from across Europe. Items were developed and fed through a Delphi process to achieve consensus. Items were ranked on a Likert scale from 1 [not important] to 5 [very important]. Consensus was defined when the inter quartile range was ≤ 1, and items with a median score > 3 were considered for inclusion. A panel of 21 experts [14 surgeons and 7 gastroenterologists] was recruited. Consensus was achieved on procedure-specific KPIs for ileocaecal and perianal surgery for Crohn's disease, [N = 10] with themes relating to morbidity [N = 7], multidisciplinary input [N = 2], and quality of life [N = 1]; and for subtotal colectomy, proctocolectomy and ileoanal pouch surgery for ulcerative colitis [N = 11], with themes relating to mortality [N = 2], morbidity [N = 8], and service provision [N = 1]. Consensus was also achieved for measures of the quality of IBD surgical service provision and quality assurance in IBD surgery. This study has provided measurable KPIs for the provision of surgical services in IBD. These indicators cover IBD surgery in general, the governance and structures of the surgical services, and separate indicators for specific subareas of surgery. Monitoring of IBD services with these KPIs may reduce variation across services and improve quality.

Controversies in J Pouch Surgery for Ulcerative Colitis: A Focus on Handsewn Versus Stapled Anastomosis.

The accepted current standard for treatment of medically refractory ulcerative colitis is total proctocolectomy with an ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for restoration of continence. There are 2 techniques by which the anastomosis can be performed, including handsewn and stapled. Handsewn anastomosis with mucosectomy was the first method described; however, it has been associated with significant incontinence. The double-stapled anastomosis was developed in response to improve postoperative function. Controversy remains as to which technique is superior as both have disadvantages. This review article addresses differences between the 2 methodologies in relation to postoperative complications, anorectal physiology, functional outcomes, and oncological safety.

Impact of sarcopenia on surgical site infection after restorative proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis.

The coexistence of sarcopenia is associated with postoperative complications, including infection after abdominal surgery. We evaluated the association between sarcopenia and surgical site infection (SSI) after surgery for ulcerative colitis. The subjects of this retrospective study were 69 patients who underwent restorative proctocolectomy with perioperative abdominal computed tomography (CT). Sarcopenia was diagnosed by measuring the cross-sectional area of the right and left psoas muscles as the total psoas muscle area on CT images. We assessed whether sarcopenia was associated with SSI and clinical factors, including nutritional and inflammatory markers. The lowest quartiles defined as sarcopenia in men and women were 567.4 and 355.8mm2/m2, respectively. According to this classification, 12 men and 6 women had sarcopenia. Patients with sarcopenia had a lower body mass index (p=0.0004) and a higher C-reactive protein concentration (p=0.05) than those without sarcopenia. SSIs were identified in 12 patients (17.3%) and included six pelvic abscesses and seven wound infections. According to multivariate analysis, sarcopenia was an independent risk factor for SSI (odds ratio=4.91, 95% confidence interval 1.09-23.5, p=0.03). Sarcopenia is predictive of SSI after pouch surgery for ulcerative colitis.

Infliximab to Treat Refractory Inflammation After Pelvic Pouch Surgery for Ulcerative Colitis.

Inflammatory pouch complications refractory to first-line therapies remain problematic following ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) for ulcerative colitis (UC). We evaluated infliximab efficacy and associations with therapeutic response. Data from individuals who underwent colectomy and IPAA for UC (2000-2014) were reviewed. Patients with chronic refractory pouchitis (CP) and Crohn's disease (CD)-like outcomes treated with infliximab were included. Pre-treatment parameters and response at median 8 (initial) and 48 weeks (sustained) were measured. Complete response was defined as symptomatic and endoscopic resolution with modified Pouchitis Disease Activity Index (mPDAI) <5. Partial response included mPDAI improvement >2. Serum was analysed for Anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibodies (ASCA), anti-OmpC, anti-CBir1 and perinuclear Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies (pANCA). One hundred and fifty-two patients with CP or a CD-like phenotype were identified. Forty-two were treated with infliximab (33% male; age 32.6±2.6 years, 28.5% CD-like). Post-induction response was achieved in 74% (48% complete) and sustained response in 62.6% (29.6% complete). Mean mPDAI and C-reactive protein declined from 8.5±0.3 to 2±3.4 (p < 0.002) and from 29.48±6.2 to 5.76±1.6mg/L (p < 0.001), respectively. Female gender, smoking and presence of anti-CBir1 were associated with infliximab use (p < 0.01) but not response. Pre-treatment mPDAI <10 (p < 0.01), resolution of rectal bleeding (p < 0.001 ) and week 8 endoscopic activity were associated with sustained response (p = 0.04; odds ratio [OR] 2.2; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1-16.5]). More than 2 positive antimicrobial antibody titres were associated with non-response (p < 0.05), but did not retain significance in multivariate analysis (p = 0.197; OR 0.632; 95% CI 0.31-1.2). Infliximab can effectively treat inflammatory pouch complications. Pre-treatment mPDAI <10 and early endoscopy may identify responders.

The long-term outcome of transvaginal anterior levatorplasty for intractable rectovaginal fistula.

Several procedures have been described for rectovaginal fistula with a wide range of success, but there is little information on the long-term outcome. The aim of the present study was to investigate the long-term outcome after transvaginal anterior levatorplasty (ALP) for intractable rectovaginal fistula. Data of 16 consecutive patients undergoing transvaginal ALP with fistulectomy and closure of the rectum and vagina between 1998 and 2011 were prospectively recorded and retrospectively investigated to study the long-term outcome. Birth injury (n = 7), low anterior resection for rectal cancer (n = 3), pouch surgery for ulcerative colitis (n = 2) and a procedure for prolapse and haemorrhoids (n = 2) were the main causes of the fistula. Nine patients had a covering stoma before surgery. All patients underwent ALP, with a covering stoma in two patients. Infection occurred in one patient and wound rupture after surgery in another patient. These patients underwent reoperation by ALP. All fistulae had healed at a median follow-up of 84 (8-193) months after initial surgery or stoma closure. Transvaginal ALP is effective for the treatment of mid or low rectovaginal fistula. The results show that a graft is not necessary regardless of whether or not previous surgery has been performed.

P179 Outcome of pouch surgery for ulcerative colitis in 124 Egyptian patients

P179 Outcome of pouch surgery for ulcerative colitis in 124 Egyptian patients

The natural history of anal transition zone inflammation and possible relationship to pouchitis: a long-term longitudinal study

Reservoir ileitis (pouchitis) is the most common complication after pelvic pouch surgery for ulcerative colitis and the aetiology remains largely unknown. The anal transition zone (ATZ) contains the only remaining colonic epithelium after ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) and may provide important clues as to whether ulcerative colitis and pouchitis share a common pathogenesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate longitudinally the long-term histological changes in the ATZ and their relationship to the incidence of pouchitis. Patients with a double-stapled IPAA for ulcerative colitis at an academic medical centre with at least 10years of clinical and histological follow-up were identified from a prospective database. Annual ATZ and pouch biopsies were taken and interpreted by two expert gastrointestinal pathologists. ATZ histological variability score, the incidence of pouchitis, and function were correlated over time. ATZ biopsies were scored from one to three based on the extent of inflammation. Sixteen of the 114 patients having IPAA fulfilled the criteria for admission to the study. There were 179 biopsies of the ATZ. All exhibited variability in ATZ histology over time and 81% had a 2-unit change in their inflammatory score. There was no correlation between pouchitis and histological severity score of the ATZ. Similarly, function over time did not vary with the intensity of ATZ inflammation. ATZ inflammation varies substantially over time in most patients. But these changes from year to year did not correlate with function or the occurrence of pouchitis.

Minimally Invasive Pouch Surgery for Ulcerative Colitis: Is There a Benefit in Staging?

With the introduction of biologic agents, medical and surgical management of ulcerative colitis has been associated with significant morbidity. A staged surgical approach is advocated to obviate the risks of infectious complication and consequent poor pouch function. The aim of this study was to analyze the outcomes of our selective staged approaches in patients with ulcerative colitis who were undergoing laparoscopic pouch surgery. Consecutive patients with ulcerative colitis referred for laparoscopic surgical treatment between 2002 and 2008 were included in the study. Data were prospectively collected. Patients were divided into 2 groups: a 3-stage group, initial laparoscopic abdominal colectomy followed by pouch surgery with a diverting loop ileostomy, and a 2-stage group, laparoscopic pouch surgery with a diverting loop ileostomy at the initial operation. Of the 118 patients eligible for the study, 68 were in the 2-stage group and 50 were in the 3-stage group. Patients were more likely to have been receiving aggressive medical therapy in the 3-stage group than in the 2-stage group: 43% vs 16% (P = .01) receiving anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy and 96% vs 67% (P = .04) receiving systemic corticosteroids. Although overall complication rates were similar between groups (P = .4), infectious complications were higher in the 2-stage group (38.2% vs 21%, P < .05). In our practice, we have selectively applied a 3-stage laparoscopic surgical approach to restorative proctocolectomy in patients with ulcerative colitis who are receiving aggressive medical therapy in an attempt to minimize perioperative complications. This strategy appears efficacious, and short-term outcomes compare favorably with those following a 2-stage approach.

1105 Serum gASCA, Anti-L and Smoking Status Are Associated with Crohn's Disease-Like Phenotype After Pelvic Pouch Surgery for Ulcerative Colitis

1105 Serum gASCA, Anti-L and Smoking Status Are Associated with Crohn's Disease-Like Phenotype After Pelvic Pouch Surgery for Ulcerative Colitis

Controversies in Pouch Surgery for Ulcerative Colitis

Restorative proctocolectomy (RPC) has become a standard procedure over 30 yr in patients with ulcerative colitis and familial adenomatous polyposis. However, there are several controversies in surgical method and strategy. From oncological point of view, mucosal proctectomy and hand-sewn ileal pouch anal anastomosis has advantage because of relatively complete removal of columnar epithelium. However, long-term follow-up results after stapled anastomosis revealed extremely low incidence of dysplasia in the anal transitional zone (ATZ). Furthermore, recent publication of 26 cancer occurrence after RPC showed more prevalence in mucosectomy group. Risk factors of dysplasia after RPC are supervening cancer or dysplasia on the proximal colon, long duration of symptom, and history of primary sclerosing cholangitis. Preservation of ATZ by stapled anastomosis may have functional superiority, which is supported by some manometric and functional studies. However, two randomized controlled trials showed no difference between the groups. Although there are some surgeons who advocate one stage RPC, majority of centers prefer two stage RPC with ileostomy. According to meta-analysis one stage RPC revealed 2-3 times frequent anastomotic leakage or pelvic sepsis. Five to ten percent of ulcerative colitis has some pathologic characteristics of Crohn's disease, which is classified as indeterminate colitis (IC). Long-term results of RPC in patients with IC revealed similar results with ulcerative colitis and superior to Crohn’s disease. So RPC may be justified in patients with IC. Conclusively, RPC should be tailored according to clinicopathologic details and operative findings.

Endoscopy in the management of patients after ileal pouch surgery for ulcerative colitis

Pouchitis is the most common complication following ileal pouch-anal anastomosis in patients with ulcerative colitis. However, there are several other inflammatory and noninflammatory conditions that can mimic pouchitis, and endoscopy with biopsies is essential for distinguishing these various conditions. This paper will review the differential diagnosis of pouchitis and the role of endoscopy in the diagnosis and management of disorders of the ileal pouch.

Should ileal pouch–anal anastomosis include mucosectomy?

Debate exists as to the benefits of performing mucosectomy as part of pouch surgery for ulcerative colitis (UC) and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Whilst mucosectomy results in a more complete removal of diseased mucosa, this benefit may be at the price of poorer function. We examined these issues. Using Medline, Embase, Ovid and Cochrane database searches papers were identified relating to the outcome following pouch surgery with and without mucosectomy. Potential reasons for functional problems were investigated, as were rates of 'cuffitis', dysplasia, polyposis and cancer in the ileal pouch and anal canal. The available evidence suggests that performing a mucosectomy leads to a worse functional outcome. Meta-analysis suggested that nighttime seepage of stool and resting and squeeze pressure were worse after mucosectomy. The most likely reason for functional impairment following pouch surgery was the degree of anal manipulation. Mucosectomy does seem to confer benefit in terms of disease control but this benefit does not reach statistical significance. Stapled anastomosis avoiding mucosectomy is the approach of choice for ileal pouch anal anastomosis because this leads to superior functional outcome. Performing mucosectomy results in some clinical benefits in terms of lower rates of inflammation and dysplasia in the retained mucosa in UC patients and lower rates of cuff polyposis in FAP patients. However, on the basis of available evidence mucosectomy is only indicated in those cases where the patient is at a high risk of disease in the retained rectal cuff.

Ileal pouch surgery for ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a relapsing and remitting disease characterised by chronic mucosal and submucosal inflammation of the colon and rectum. Treatment may vary depending upon the extent and severity of inflammation. Broadly speaking medical treatments aim to induce and then maintain remission. Surgery is indicated for inflammatory disease that is refractory to medical treatment or in cases of neoplastic transformation. Approximately 25% of patients with UC ultimately require colectomy. Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) has become the standard of care for patients with ulcerative colitis who ultimately require colectomy. This review will examine indications for IPAA, patient selection, technical aspects of surgery, management of complications and long term outcome following this procedure.

潰よう性大腸炎術後，回腸人工こう門周囲に発症した壊そ性膿皮症の１例

潰瘍性大腸炎やクローン病に代表される炎症性腸疾患では,内科的治療に抵抗を示した場合,外科的治療を施行せざるを得ない.また分割手術を施行するにあたっては一時的ではあるが,回腸人工肛門の造設を余儀なくされる.症例は38歳の女性,潰瘍性大腸炎の3期分割手術の2期目の手術である直腸粘膜抜去術,H型回腸嚢肛門吻合術(IAA),回腸人工肛門造設を施行されていた.回腸人工肛門周囲に難治性の皮膚びらんを生じ,回腸人工肛門部皮膚潰瘍の疼痛コントロールのため入院となった.入院後,洗浄をはじめ状況に応じ多種多様の軟膏,被覆材料を用いてストーマケアを行った.その結果,回腸人工肛門周囲に発生した壊疽性膿皮症にともなう難治性皮膚潰瘍は上皮化し成功裏に3期目の手術を施行し,治療し得た症例を経験したので報告する.

Management of pouch dysfunction or pouchitis with an ileoanal pouch

Pouchitis, a non-specific inflammation of the ileal reservoir, is the most frequent long-term complication after pouch surgery for ulcerative colitis. Incidence rates vary widely. The etiology is still unknown, but genetic susceptibility and fecal stasis with bacterial overgrowth seem to be important factors. A clinical diagnosis should be always confirmed by endoscopy and histology, and Pouchitis Disease Activity Index (PDAI), based on clinical symptoms, endoscopic appearance and histologic findings, represents an objective and reproducible scoring system for pouchitis. The treatment of pouchitis is largely empiric given the few controlled studies available. Antibiotics, especially metronidazole and ciprofloxacin, are the therapy of choice. Chronic pouchitis occurs in about 10–15% of patients; in these cases, further diagnostic tests should be performed to exclude alternative diagnoses. Highly concentrated probiotics (VSL#3) have been shown to be effective in preventing the onset and relapse of pouchitis.