The ileo neo rectal anastomosis (INRA) in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis: clinical results at two years

BACKGROUND: Ileo neo rectal anastomosis (INRA) is a promising alternative for patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) to restorative proctocolectomy with its morbidity and unpredictable functional outcome to colectomy with ileo rectal anastomosis (IRA) with the continuing risk of rectal cancer. The aims of the present study were to evaluate the function of the neorectum, to assess the morbidity and complications of the operation and to determine the incidence of neorectal polyps. METHODS: Data of all patients having INRA, including bowel function and complications, were prospectively recorded. The reservoir capacity was determined repeatedly by physiologic tests. The anal sphincter complex was assessed by manometry and ultrasound examination. Evaluation of the neorectal mucosa was performed by endoscopy. RESULTS: Six patients underwent the INRA procedure for FAP. Median defaecation frequency two years postoperatively was 5.5/24 h (range 4-7) including 1/night (range 0-2). Endoscopic examination showed normal mucosa and no evidence of polyp formation in all patients. CONCLUSION: INRA affords a good functional reservoir and is accompanied by few reservoir-related complications. At a minimum follow up period of two years, no growth of polyps in the neorectum occurred.     

Mechanisms of rectal continence. Lessons from the ileoanal procedure

To clarify mechanisms of rectal continence, we evaluated 34 patients who had straight or J-pouch ileoanal anastomosis. This evaluation included pressures, anal inhibitory reflex, neorectal capacity, neorectal compliance, and the ability to discriminate stool from gas. Both groups of patients had satisfactory anal sphincter resting pressures and neorectal capacities, and all could discriminate stool from gas despite the absence of any rectal mucosa. We conclude that normal rectal mucosa is not necessary to be able to discriminate stool from gas; a long rectal muscular cuff is not necessary for rectal sensation; essentially normal sphincter function is preserved, and this procedure does not normally fail because of inadequate sphincter function or the absence of the anal inhibitory reflex; and in the presence of normal sphincter function, continence is not dependent on the presence of normal mucosa or the anal inhibitory reflex but correlates with reservoir capacity and compliance as well as with the frequency and strength of intrinsic bowel contractions.     

Total colectomy and J-pouch ileorectal anastomosis for obstructed tumours of the rectosigmoid junction

Background : Subtotal colectomy with ileosigmoid or ileorectal anastomosis is one of the standard procedures for obstructed tumours of the left colon. The lower the level of the anastomosis, the greater the number of bowel motions per day. The aim of the present study was to assess whether an ileal pouch–rectal anastomosis is associated with fewer bowel motions per day. Methods : In four patients with obstructed carcinoma of the rectosigmoid junction and upper rectum, a total colectomy with removal of the upper rectum for adequate tumour clearance was used, followed by construction of a 10 cm ileal J‐pouch that was subsequently anastomosed to the distal rectal stump. Results : Postoperative recovery was uneventful in all patients. At 3 months postoperatively, anorectal manometry showed anal resting and squeeze pressures at lower normal limits and a neorectal capacity ranging from 160 to 310 mL. One year postoperatively, all patients experienced one to three normal bowel motions daily and no episodes of incontinence. Conclusions : Total colectomy with ileal J‐pouch–rectal anastomosis is a reasonable operative alternative in cases with obstructed tumours of the rectosigmoid junction, which necessitate removal of the upper rectum.     

Anoneorectal evaluation after colectomy and endorectal ileoanal anastomosis in children and young adults

Recent improvements in the technique of colectomy, rectal mucosectomy, and endorectal ileoanal anastomosis allow a satisfactory result in most patients. However, the clinical outcome is not entirely satisfactory in about 5% to 10% of patients because of excessive stool frequency or episodic fecal incontinence or both. We evaluated anoneorectal function postoperatively to help explain the mechanisms of the difficulties. Six patients with imperfect functional results (group 1) and 6 with good functional results (group 2) after ileoanal anastomosis and closure of the loop ileostomy were compared with 12 healthy volunteers who had not had operation, through a series of tests designed to evaluate anal sphincter and neorectal function. All patients were instructed in balloon dilation of the neorectum to develop a reservoir while awaiting closure of the ileostomy. Anal sphincter manometric measurements of resting and squeeze pressures were obtained with a 4-channel probe attached to a noncompliant pneumohydraulic perfusion system. Incremental inflation of an intraluminal bag while pressures were simultaneously recorded allowed determinations of neorectal capacity and distensibility. The efficiency of neorectal evacuation was assessed by instilling a labeled synthetic viscous load into the distal bowel. Patients in group 1 had lower resting anal pressures (P less than 0.05), lower squeeze pressures (P less than 0.05), smaller neorectal capacities (P = 0.13), and less neorectal distensibility (P = 0.27) than patients in group 2. Furthermore, the values for patients in group 2 closely approximated those found in healthy volunteers.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

The ileo neo-rectal anastomosis in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis: a prospective case series with long-term follow up

Aim In patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), removal of the colonic mucosa is essential to reduce the lifetime risk of developing cancer). For this purpose, ileo‐pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) has been the gold standard, but morbidity related to the dissection of the pelvis remains substantial. In an attempt to reduce the procedure‐related complications of pelvic dissection, ileoneo‐rectal anastomosis (INRA) has been developed. In this case series of FAP patients, the long‐term functional results, morbidity and quality of life (QoL) of the INRA procedure were evaluated and compared with its early outcome. Method Long‐term follow up of a consecutive group of eight FAP patients with an INRA procedure (between 1998 and 2005) was undertaken. Data on functional results, complications, manometry and endoscopy were recorded prospectively. Results Eight patients with FAP underwent the INRA procedure. The median number of defaecations over 24 h was five. No pelvic sepsis or bladder dysfunction occurred. One patient, in whom concomitant Crohn’s disease was diagnosed in retrospect, was converted to IPAA. In the INRA patients, no sexual dysfunction occurred. Endoscopic examination showed normal mucosa without any evidence of polyp formation. Conclusion Restorative surgery by means of the INRA procedure yields good functional results in FAP patients, without any pelvic dissection‐related morbidity or regrowth of polyps in the neo‐rectum.     

Pouch reconstruction in the pelvis

ILEAL POUCH RECONSTRUCTION: Proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) is the procedure of choice in mucosal ulcerative colitis (MUC) and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Because the disease is cured by surgical resection, functional results, pouch survival prognosis, and disease or dysplasia control are the major determinants of success. There is controversy as to whether the IPAA should be handsewn with mucosectomy or stapled, preserving the mucosa of the anal transitional zone. Crohn's disease is a contraindication for IPAA, but long-term outcome after IPAA is similar to that for MUC in patients with indeterminate colitis who do not develop Crohn's disease. As development of dysplasia and cancer in the ileal pouch have been reported, a standardized surveillance program is mandatory in cases of MUC, FAP, and chronic pouchitis. COLONIC POUCH RECONSTRUCTION: Construction of a colonic pouch is a widely accepted technique to improve functional outcome after low or intersphincteric resection for rectal cancer. Several randomized studies comparing colo-pouch-anal anastomosis (CPA) with straight coloanal anastomosis (CAA) have found the pouch functionally superior. Most controlled studies cover only 1-year follow-up, but randomized studies with 2-year follow-up show similar functional results of CPA and CAA. Evacuation difficulty as initially observed was related to pouch size, and the results with smaller pouches (5-6 cm) are more favorable, showing adequate reservoir function without compromising neorectal evacuation. The transverse coloplasty pouch may offer several advantages to J-pouch reconstruction. Current series question whether the neorectal reservoir is the physiological key of the pouch, but rather the decreased motility. The major advantage reported with colonic pouch reconstruction is the lower incidence of anastomotic complications.     

Functional outcome after sphincter excision for ultralow rectal cancer

This article shows a prospective study investigating bowel function after transanal rectal resection with internal and external sphincterectomy for low rectal cancer. Eight patients underwent standard low anterior resection with colonic J-pouch anal anastomosis (LARJ), and eight patients underwent transanal rectal resection with internal and external sphincter resection (IESR). Manometry, manovolumetry, transit time study, and a questionnaire were performed before and after the operation. Six and 12 months after the operation, maximum resting pressure and squeezing pressure were significantly lower in IESR group than in LARJ group, whereas there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of constant sensation, maximum tolerable volume, or neorectal compliance. Although the functional score of the IESR group remained low at 6 months after the operation in comparison with the LARJ group, it improved at 12 months after the operation. Transanal rectal resection with internal and external sphincterectomy showed usefulness in preserving bowel function and avoiding permanent colostomy.     

Differences in ano‐neorectal physiology of ileoanal and coloanal reconstructions for restorative proctectomy

Objective Restorative proctectomy with straight coloanal anastomosis (CAA) and restorative proctocolectomy with ilealpouch‐anal anastomosis (IPAA) are options for maintaining bowel integrity after rectal resection. The aim of this study was to compare clinical function and anorectal physiology in patients treated with CAA and IPAA. Method Three‐dimensional vector‐manometry and neorectal volumetry were performed in straight CAA [53 patients (34 male)] and IPAA [61 patients (39 male)] for ulcerative colitis. Function was assessed using a 14 day incontinence diary. Results Function was similar in both groups, but neorectal compliance and threshold volumes for sensation, urge and maximum tolerated volume (MTV) were significantly higher after IPAA than after CAA. Mean pressure, vector volume and sphincter symmetry at rest were significant determinants of continence in both groups but squeeze pressure did not correlate significantly with function in either group. Threshold volume, MTV, and compliance were significantly correlated with frequency of defecation in patients with IPAA but not with CAA. Conclusion A strong consistent resting anal sphincter pressure is one determinant of continence after both IPAA and CAA. Squeeze pressures do not influence the functional result. In IPAA but not CAA, the neorectum has a reservoir function which correlates with the postoperative frequency of defaecation.     

A clinico-physiological comparison of ileal pouch-anal and straight ileoanal anastomoses

The ileal pouch-anal anastomosis improves clinical results after colectomy and mucosal proctectomy compared to the straight ileoanal anastomosis. The question was what physiologic changes brought about by the pouch led to the improvement. Among 124 patients who had had ileoanal anastomosis, 25 volunteered for a detailed clinicophysiologic evaluation. Fourteen had had the ileal pouch-anal operation a mean of 8 months previously, and 11 had the straight ileoanal operation a mean of 25 months previously. Both groups of patients had satisfactory anal sphincter resting pressures (mean +/- SEM, pouch = 68 +/- 8 cm H2O, straight = 65 +/- 9 cm H2O, p greater than 0.05) and neorectal capacities (pouch = 278 +/- 26 ml, straight = 233 +/- 36 ml, p less than 0.05), and all could evacuate spontaneously. However, the pouch patients had a more distensible neorectum (delta V/delta P pouch = 9.5 +/- 1.3 ml/cm H2O, straight = 4.9 +/- 0.9 ml/cm H2O, p less than 0.05) and smaller amplitude neorectal contractions (pouch = 36 +/- 5 cm H2O, straight = 90 +/- 13 cm H2O; p less than 0.05). We concluded that the pouch-anal anastomosis increased the distensibility of the neorectum and decreased its propulsive drive, and so improved clinical results.     

低位直肠癌根治性切除套入式吻合保肛术231例临床研究

目的探讨套入式结肠直肠黏膜吻合保肛术治疗中低位直肠癌的可行性和安全性及临床疗效。方法对231例中低位直肠癌经腹肛门根治性切除行套人式结肠直肠黏膜吻合保肛术进行回顾性分析。结果231例术后随访率为85．3％（197／231）,中位随访时间为5．9年（2个月-14年）。术后发生吻合口瘘8例（3．4％）,吻合口狭窄3例（1．2％）,术后12—24周时排便功能基本恢复正常。术后局部复发率为5．1％（10／197）,肝转移率为15．2％（30／197）。肺转移率为2．5％（5／197）,术后5年总体生存率为71．6％。结论套入式吻合保肛术既能减少吻合口瘘发生,又可保留良好的肛门排便控制功能,可显著提高患者术后生活质量,是中低位直肠癌一种安全有效的保肛术式。     

New Predictor for the Defecatory Function after Sphincter-Preserving Operation: Lumen Score

Few studies on sphincter-preserving surgery have analyzed the colon used for the anastomotic segment. We evaluated the usefulness of measuring the square of the diameter of the sigmoid colon (cm(2)) (lumen score, LS) as a predictor of defecatory function after very low anterior resection (VLAR) for rectal cancer. Measurements were done by radiography with semiliquid barium, and the LS was calculated. A total of 24 patients [straight coloanal reconstruction (VLAR-S), n = 17; colonic J pouch reconstruction (LVAR-J), n = 7] were studied more than 6 months after the operation. VLAR-S was divided by the LS results: the high-LS group had an LS of 12 or more (n = 5), and the low-LS group had an LS of less than 12 (n = 12). The neorectal capacity, anal manometry, and defecatory function were studied. In the VLAR-S group, LS had a significant positive correlation with neorectal capacity (gamma = 0.81, p <0.01) and a negative correlation with bowel frequency (gamma = -0.67, p <0.05). Regarding neorectal capacity, the high-LS group had a significantly larger capacity than the low-LS group (118.0 vs. 88.3 ml; p <0.05). The low-LS group had unfavorable defecatory function compared with that of the high-LS group, which was equal to that of the VLAR-J group. We concluded that the LS is a useful predictor of successful colonic J pouch reconstruction.     

Pelvic pouch cancers associated with inflammatory bowel disease

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease who undergo ileal pouch-anal anastomosis are at finite risk of developing neoplasia of various parts of the pouch. In this review article, we will describe different forms of pelvic pouch-related cancers, with a focus on diagnosis and management of small bowel adenocarcinomas of the pouch body, rectal neoplasia of the rectal cuff and anal transition zone, small intestinal lymphoma of the pouch, and anal dysplasia and squamous cell cancer of the anal canal.     

Mucosectomy and stapled pouch‐anal anastomosis in familial adenomatous polyposis

Aim In familial adenomatous polyposis, a restorative proctocolectomy with an ileo‐anal pouch may be performed either with a mucosectomy and a hand‐sewn anastomosis or as a stapled anastomosis without a mucosectomy. The disadvantage of the former is suboptimal bowel function and the disadvantage of the latter is a high risk of recurrent adenomas in the rectal mucosal remnant. Method A procedure is presented that combines the advantages of mucosectomy and stapled ileo‐anal anastomosis. Results No severe complications were seen in 14 patients. After a median follow up of 29 (range 7–144) months, 13 (93%) patients were fully continent day and night with a median frequency of defecation of 5 (range 2–8)/24 h. No adenomas were found at the annual endoscopic follow up. Conclusion Mucosectomy with a stapled ileo‐anal pouch has few complications. Short‐term results show good function and a very low risk of recurrent adenoma development.     

Anterior resection using the circular stapling instrument: a Singapore experience

The circular stapler was used for colorectal anastomosis in 38 patients (rectal carcinoma 37 cases, sigmoid diverticulitis one case). In Singapore Chinese patients, the most commonly used cartridge size was the EEA 28 mm and ILS 29 mm. The incidence of clinical anastomotic leakage in patients with complete resection rings was 10% (three leaks in 32 patients), leakage occurring only amongst the 24 patients who had resection of a tumour 6-9 cm from the anal verge. Significant, though easily dilatable, stenosis occurred in three patients (8%), and was associated with rectal membrane formation in two patients. Local recurrence, occurring in seven patients in a 0.5-3 year follow-up period was associated with Dukes' C disease; two recurrences occurred in four patients in whom the distal bowel clearance was less than 1.5 cm. The circular stapler facilitates sphincter conservation in mid-rectal cancer and its use in low anterior resection is justifiable when performed with a distal bowel clearance of 2 cm and complete excision of pararectal tissue above the pelvic floor muscles.     

Long-term pathophysiological studies on loop ileostomy and ileoanal anastomosis

Mucosal proctectomy with ileoanal anastomosis (IAA) had been performed on 37 patients with adenomatosis coli and 16 with ulcerative colitis between 1978 and 1987. These patients were followed up for a mean of 7.5 years. In 38 cases (73%), this procedure was completed by closure of loop ileostomy. The mean number of bowel movements per 24 hours was 6.0. Seven patients had occasional episodes of minor nocturnal soiling. The postoperative maximum resting anal pressure was the most important parameter reflecting clinical results and it rose from 72 to 92 cm of water during 5.3 year follow-up period after IAA. The pathophysiological studies on loop ileostomy and IAA were performed in these patients. Postoperative small bowel transit time evaluated by radioopaque markers was shortened. Daily output of water and sodium, and Na/K ratio in the ileal excreta increased and total counts of anaerobes in feces decreased. On the other hand, daily volume, Na/K ratio and PH of urine fell significantly. These phenomena were remarkable in patients who received loop ileostomy with about 60 cm defunctioning terminal ileum. These results indicate that it is necessary to maintain intestinal continuity in the ileal pouch-anal procedures.     

肛门内括约肌切除套入式吻合保肛术治疗超低位直肠癌61例

目的探讨经腹经肛门行肛门内括约肌切除套入式吻合保肛术治疗超低位直肠癌的安全性和临床效果。方法回顾性分析北京军区北京总医院收治的61例超低位直肠癌（距肛缘4－5cm）患者接受经腹肛门内括约肌切除套入式吻合保肛术治疗的临床资料。结果61例患者中男34例,女27例;平均年龄56．7岁。癌灶下缘距肛缘4cm者21例,5cm者40例：病理诊断直肠腺癌55例,其中高分化者24例,中分化者29例,低分化者2例;腺瘤癌变6例;TNM分期：T1N0M0为36例,T2N0M0为23例,T3N1M0为2例。术后1-3个月排粪自控能力明显改善,6-12个月时肛门排粪控制功能基本恢复正常。术后发生吻合口瘘2例（3.3％）,吻合口狭窄3例（4．9％）。54例（88．5％）患者接受了术后随访,中位随访时间为6．2年。术后复发3例（5．6％）,5年生存率73．5％。结论肛门内括约肌切除套人式吻合保肛术治疗超低位直肠癌是一种安全、有效的保肛术式。     

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.     

Laparoscopically assisted intestinal resection in 88 patients with Crohn's disease

Background: Experience with 94 resections in 88 patients with Crohn's disease using advanced laparoscopic techniques is reported. Records of patients who underwent intestinal resection for Crohn's disease between August, 1993 and November, 1998 were reviewed. Indications, operative findings, clinicopathologic, and postoperative data were recorded. Methods: In this study, the mean age was 37 years (range, 16–70 years), and 55% of the participants were women. Indications for surgery included obstruction (64 cases), pain (22 cases), peritonitis (1 case) and abscess (1 case). Seventy patients underwent ileocolic resection, 28 of whom had a previous history of one or two ileocolic resections. Eight of these patients had additional procedures including tubal ligation (1), sigmoidectomy (1), cholecystectomy (3 cases), and enterectomy (3 cases). Small bowel resection (13 cases), right hemicolectomy (3 cases), subtotal colectomy (3 cases), anterior rectal resection (2 cases), and sigmoid resection (3 cases) were performed in the remaining patients. All but one procedure were completed laparoscopically with extracorporeal anastomosis. The average length of intestine resected was 33 cm (range, 10–92 cm). Forty-one patients had 58 fistulae between ileum, jejunum, mesentery, colon, abdominal wall, skin, or bladder. Mean blood loss was 168 ml (range, 30–800 ml) and mean operative time was 183 min (range, 96–400 min). Results: More than 85% of the patients were tolerating a liquid diet on the first postoperative day. Average length of hospital stay was 4.2 days (range, 3–11 days). Complications included anastomotic leak necessitating reoperation, stricture requiring endoscopic dilation, hemorrhage treated expectantly, urinary tract infection, pulmonary embolus, line sepsis, and early postoperative intestinal obstruction (7 cases) requiring reoperation in three cases. Conclusions: Experience with both advanced laparoscopic techniques and conventional surgery for inflammatory bowel disease allowed successful laparoscopic management of patients with complicated Crohn's disease. Received: 29 August 1998/Accepted: 22 January 1999     

Techniques d’anastomoses iléoanales avec réservoir

Complete proctocolectomy with ileoanal pouch anastomosis is the gold standard for the treatment of familial adenomatous polyposis and ulcerative colitis. In Crohn’s disease, this technique may be considered for selected patients free of anal or small bowel lesions. The two main techniques used for ileoanal anastomosis are the manual anastomosis following mucosectomy (Parks’ procedure, the reference technique), and the stapled anastomosis, the most used procedure worldwide. A third technique exists also, consisting in rectal eversion with section on the dentate line (Hautefeuille procedure); this technique avoid conservation of the anal transitional zone in stapled ileoanal anastomosis, and the risk of incomplete mucosectomy associate with Parks’ procedure. Finally, it is possible today to perform this intervention by laparoscopic approach, provided the operating team has the required training.     

Modified Double-Stapling Technique in Low Anterior Resection for Lower Rectal Carcinoma

Purpose The original double-stapling technique (DST) using a standard linear stapler horizontally can be difficult in patients with a narrow pelvis or an ultralow anastomosis. We review our experience of performing a modified DST (IO-DST) with vertical division of the rectum achieved using an endostapler. Methods We retrospectively studied the clinical outcomes of 90 patients who underwent low anterior resection (LAR) for lower rectal carcinoma. Low anterior resection was performed with IO-DST in 34 patients (IO-DST group), with the single-stapling technique (SST) in 47 (SST group), and with per anal anastomosis (PAA) in 9 (PAA group). Results The distances from the anal verge to the tumor and to the anastomosis were significantly shorter in the IO-DST group than in the SST group (5.8 cm, 4.0 cm vs 7.0 cm, 5.0 cm, respectively), whereas it was equivalent in the IO-DST and PAA groups (5.0 cm, 4.0 cm). Blood loss was less in the IO-DST group than in the SST and PAA groups (400 ml vs 578 ml and 950 ml, respectively). The operative time was shorter in the IO-DST group than in the PAA group (281 min vs 327 min, respectively). There were no significant differences in the length of the distal surgical margin among the three groups. The IO-DST group patients suffered less bowel frequency than the SST group patients 1 month after surgery (2.5 times/day vs 4.0 times/day, respectively) and less than the PAA group patients more than 1 year after surgery (2.0 times/day vs 3.5 times/day, respectively). There were no significant differences in the incidence of complications or local recurrence among the three groups. Conclusions IO-DST is a feasible and safe procedure for performing low anastomosis, which results in less bowel frequency after LAR for lower rectal carcinoma.