Enteric bacteriology, absorption, morphology and emptying after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis

The aim was to determine whether changes in enteric bacteriology, absorption, morphology, and emptying occur after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for ulcerative colitis, and to relate any changes to the clinical result. Twenty patients were studied 26 +/- 2 months (mean +/- s.e.m.) after operation. Eight patients had a good result, six a poor result, and six a history of recurrent pouch ileitis. Anaerobic and aerobic overgrowth occurred in the jejunum of patients with a poor result, but not in those with a good result or with pouch ileitis. In contrast, ileal pouch bacterial overgrowth occurred in all patients regardless of the clinical result. Patients with jejunal overgrowth had increased 24 h stool volume and stool nitrogen, but other patients did not. The larger the stool volume, the greater the anaerobic overgrowth. Pouch biopsies showed chronic inflammation in all patients, while 45 per cent had colonic metaplasia. Neither the inflammation nor the metaplasia correlated with the clinical result, nor did the clinical result correlate with the efficiency of pouch emptying. In conclusion, jejunal bacterial overgrowth after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis was associated with an increased stool output, azotorrhoea, and a poor clinical result. A distinguishing bacterial, absorptive, morphological, or emptying abnormality was not found in patients with a history of recurrent pouch ileitis.     

Influence of ileal pouch capacity and anal sphincteric function on the clinical outcome after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis

This study was designed to determine the influence of ileal pouch capacity and anal sphincteric function on the clinical outcome after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. A total of 24 patients who had undergone ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (J pouch) for ulcerative colitis were studied. The 24-hour stool frequency was found to be inversely correlated with the sensitivity threshold volume (STV), maximal tolerance volume (MTV), and distensibility, but was independent of the maximal resting pressure and maximal squeeze pressure. Patients experiencing nocturnal fecal incontinence had maximal resting pressures that were significantly lower than those of nocturnally continent patients. Among the patients with fecal incontinence, those with frequent soiling had lower resting pressures, STV, and distensibility than the patients with intermittent spotting. In addition, the STV in patients needing nocturnal evacuation were lower than those of patients who did not evacuate after falling asleep. The conclusions are as follows. Both stool frequency and the need for nocturnal pouch evacuation correlated directly with pouch volume. Anal incontinence was more common in patients with low internal sphincteric function. In addition, frequent and gross nocturnal incontinent patients demonstrate a worse function in both the anal sphincter and reservoir than those with intermittent spotting.     

Anal and neorectal function after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis.

Bowel function varies markedly among patients with colectomy and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. Little is known of the mechanisms controlling fecal continence and frequency of defecation after operation. The aim of this study was to determine which features of the anal sphincter and neorectum accounted for the variation in clinical outcome. Twenty patients were studied 4 to 35 months after operation and compared to 12 healthy volunteers. Despite several patients exhibiting impaired fecal continence, anal sphincteric length and pressures and ileal pouch capacity and distensibility were similar in patients and controls. Patients with poor results, however, had rapid filling of their ileal pouch, which resulted in early onset of high amplitude propulsive pressure waves in the pouch. As these waves became more frequent, defecation resulted. Patients with poor results also were not able to empty adequately their pouch. The poorer the completeness of evacuation, the more frequent the defecation (r = 0.62, p less than 0.01). The authors conclude that rapid pouch filling and impaired pouch evacuation can lead to increased stool frequency in patients after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis.     

Gastrointestinal transit after proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis or ileostomy

Proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis increases the frequency of stooling, perhaps due in part to the loss of an ileocecal or colonic braking effect on gastrointestinal transit. To assess whether colectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) or with ileostomy accelerates gastrointestinal transit, we studied 16 IPAA patients (mean +/- SEM stool frequency, 8 +/- 1 stools/day), 5 patients after colectomy and Brooke ileostomy, and 8 healthy, unoperated controls (1 +/- 1 stools/day). Gastric emptying of liquids and small bowel transit of chyme were measured concurrently with a dual isotope technique. Gastric emptying was similar among all groups. In contrast, postprandial small bowel transit of the head of a duodenal marker was slowed, not accelerated, in IPAA patients (178 +/- 26 min) compared to Brooke subjects (80 +/- 32 min, P less than 0.05) and controls (75 +/- 15 min, P less than 0.01). Maximal filling of both the ileal pouch (341 +/- 19 min) and the ileostomy bag (348 +/- 12 min) occurred later than filling of the colon in controls (243 +/- 32 min, P less than 0.01). Overall stool frequency did not correlate with small bowel transit in the ileoanal patients, but the two ileoanal subjects with greatest stool frequency (11 and 18 stools/day) had the earliest arrival of marker at the pouch. In conclusion, removal of the colon markedly slowed small bowel transit in most patients, although it did not alter gastric emptying of liquids. Creation of an ileal pouch and ileoanal anastomosis further slowed transit of the head of the meal.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Manovolumetric and sensory characteristics of the ileoanal J pouch compared with healthy rectum

Pouch volume, motility, sensory function and integrated pouch-anal mechanisms during graded isobaric distension of the pouch were prospectively studied in 67 patients with a J pouch-anal anastomosis. The findings were related to functional outcome. Thirty-six normal controls were studied for comparison. In contrast with normal rectum, the ileal pouch exhibited pronounced motility, and pouch contractions were frequent even at a high distension pressure. The presence of high pressure motility was associated with a poor functional outcome. The threshold pressure and threshold volume for eliciting first sensation of filling and urge to defaecate were significantly higher in the ileal pouch. The pressure threshold levels were not related to the functional outcome. Sphincter inhibition on pouch distension reappeared in 25 per cent of the patients. The distension pressure required to elicit the inhibition was considerably higher than in the control subjects. The functional result was similar irrespective of whether sphincter inhibition was present or not. The motor and sensory function of this artificial setting appear to be controlled by nervous mechanisms that are different from those in the healthy anorectum.     

Quality of life after Brooke ileostomy and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. Comparison of performance status.

Although the clinical results of Brooke ileostomy are good, patients are permanently incontinent of stool and gas. Alternative operations designed to restore enteric continence, such as ileal pouch-anal anastomosis, must not only be as safe and effective as Brooke ileostomy, but should provide an improved quality of life in order to establish long-term acceptability. Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis has been performed safely and good functional results have been reported. The quality of life after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis, however, has not been documented. Two hundred ninety-eight ileal pouch patients and 406 Brooke ileostomy patients who had the operations performed for chronic ulcerative colitis or familial adenomatous polyposis formed the basis of the study. After adjusting for age, diagnosis, and reoperation rate, logistic regression analysis of performance scores in seven different categories was used to discriminate between operations. Median follow-up was longer in Brooke ileostomy patients than in ileal pouch patients (104 months vs. 47 months, respectively), and Brooke ileostomy patients were slightly older (38 years vs. 32 years). A great majority of patients in each group were satisfied (93% Brooke ileostomy; 95% ileal pouch-anal anastomosis). Thirty-nine per cent of Brooke ileostomy patients, however, desired a change in the type of ileostomy they had. At 47 months, ileal pouch patients had a median of 5 stools per day and 1 at night, 77% did not experience any daytime incontinence, while 22% reported occasional spotting. In each performance category, the performance score discriminated between operations, with the probability of having had an ileal pouch-anal anastomosis operation increasing with improvement in performance scores (p less than 0.05). We concluded that after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis, patients experienced significant advantages in performing daily activities compared to patients with Brooke ileostomy and thus may experience a better quality of life. These results help further to establish ileal pouch-anal anastomosis as a safe, attractive, and valid alternative to Brooke ileostomy.     

Does botulinum type-A toxin affect motor activity after proctocolectomy and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis? An experimental study in dogs

AIM OF THE STUDY: The use of anticholinergic drugs has provided a useful therapeutic approach to reduce stool frequency in patients with proctocolectomy and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA). Botulinum type-A (BTA) toxin has been shown to specifically block acetylcholine release in the intestinal wall. Therefore this study investigated the effect of BTA on small intestinal and J-pouch motility after IPAA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Proctocolectomy and IPAA were performed in 4 dogs. The motility of the small intestine and the ileal pouch was recorded by serosal electrodes and strain gauge transducers. The intestinal transit time was determined radiologically and pouch compliance was determined manometrically. Multiple measurements were performed before and after endoscopic injection of BTA into the pouch wall. RESULTS: This treatment did not significantly influence stool frequency, intestinal transit time or pouch compliance. Intrinsic pouch motility was characterized by irregular contractions, the amplitudes and frequencies of which remained unchanged after BTA administration. With the exception of lower contraction amplitudes directly proximal to the pouch, there were no significant differences in the characteristics of the migrating myoelectric complex or in the fed pattern of the small intestine and ileal pouch. CONCLUSIONS: BTA does not significantly affect ileal pouch motility. The beneficial effects of anticholinergic drugs therefore seem to be due to their multifactorial mode of action and not to the inhibition of cholinergic neurons in the pouch.     

Late functional adaptation after colectomy, mucosal proctectomy, and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis

Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) is currently an alternative to proctocolectomy and ileostomy for patients with ulcerative colitis or familial polyposis. Some studies have suggested significant anal sphincter damage after mucosal proctectomy. Our aim was to assess prospectively late sphincter function after IPAA. In 250 patients, anorectal pressures were assessed with a pneumohydraulic perfused catheter manometry system. Each patient underwent colectomy, mucosal proctectomy, ileoanal anastomosis of a 15 cm ileal J-pouch, and loop ileostomy. Eight weeks after IPAA, anal manometry was repeated, and the ileostomy was closed. Manometry was repeated at yearly intervals. A decline in resting tone of the anal sphincter occurred early after IPAA with a gradual recovery toward control. External sphincter squeeze after pressures were not affected by IPAA and steadily increased to 8 years after operation. During this time, a progressive increase in J-pouch capacity was noted, and 24-hour stool frequency declined from 7.9 +/- 0.3 stools to 6.5 +/- 0.3 stools (p less than 0.05). We conclude that mucosal proctectomy results in internal anal sphincter trauma but is associated with long-term sphincter recovery, coupled with a significant improvement in external sphincter capacity, ileal pouch volume, and stool frequency.     

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.     

The jejunal pouch as a rectal substitute after proctocolectomy

Our hypothesis was that a jejunal pouch used as a rectal substitute after proctocolectomy would slow enteric transit, delay defecation, and decrease stool frequency compared to an ileal pouch so used. Twelve dogs underwent proctocolectomy; six had a jejunal pouch-distal rectal anastomosis and six had an ileal pouch-distal rectal anastomosis. After recovery, postprandial mouth-to-anus transit was slower in jejunal pouch dogs (253 ±18 minutes [mean ± SEM]) than in ileal pouch dogs (112 ±7.9 minutes; P <0.05). Moreover, jejunal pouch dogs passed only 4.1 ± 0.3 stools during the 12 hours after eating, whereas ileal pouch dogs passed 6.3 ± 0.9 stools (P <0.05). The mean frequency of proximal ileal pacesetter potentials after feeding was less in jejunal pouch dogs (12 ± 0.4 cycles/min) than in ileal pouch dogs (16 ± 0.3 counts/min; P = 0.01), and jejunal pouches had more action potentials (jejunal = 82% ±4.3% of pacesetter potentials had action potentials, ileal = 61% ±3.0%; P <0.05). In contrast, gastric emptying and pouch motility, emptying, mucosal integrity, and bacteriologie and histologic properties were similar in the two groups of dogs. We concluded that the jejunal pouch operation slowed enteric transit, delayed defecation, and decreased postprandial stooling compared to the ileal pouch operation. Supported by the Ministry of Education and Sport (CAPES), Brasilia, Brazil. Presented at the Fortieth Annual Meeting of The Society for Surgery of the Ahmenrary Tract, May 16–10, 1999, Orlando, Fla., and published as an abstract in Gastmntemlogy 116-S1032, 1999.     

Proctocolectomy with jejunal pouch-distal rectal anastomosis: An alternative to ileal pouch reconstruction

The aim of this study was to determine whether a jejunal pouch would have a lower resting pressure, be more distensible, and have more interdigestive migrating myoelectric complexes and less fecal bacterial overgrowth than would an ileal pouch after proctocolectomy and pouch-distal rectal anastomosis. In six conscious dogs with a jejunal pouch-distal rectal anastomosis and six with an ileal pouch-distal rectal anastomosis (controls), pouch distensibility and motility were measured using a barostat and perfused pressure-sensitive catheters passed per anum, pouch electrical activity was recorded using chronically implanted electrodes, and the number of bacteria per gram of stool was assessed by culture. Dogs with a jejunal pouch had lower resting pouch pressures, more distensible pouches, faster frequencies of pacesetter potentials in the pouch, more phase 3 intervals of the interdigesive migrating myoelectric complex reaching the pouch, but similar numbers and types of bacteria in their stools compared to the dogs with an ileal pouch. We concluded that jejunal pouches have a lower resting pressure, are more distensible, have more cleansing contractions, but a similar fecal flora compared to ileal pouches. A jejunal pouch has features that make it an attractive alternative to an ileal pouch for pouch-distal rectal or pouch-anal canal anastomosis after proctocolectomy. Supported by the Mayo Foundation, Tohoku University, and the Nigro grant. Presented at the Thirty-Eighth Annual Meeting of The Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, Washington, D.C., May 11–14, 1997. An abstract of this work was published in Gastroenterology 112:A1478, 1997.     

Anal and ileal pouch manometric measurements before ileostomy closure are related to functional outcome after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis

Anal canal length, and canal resting and squeeze pressures, ileal pouch capacity and pouch compliance were measured in 104 patients after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis but before ileostomy closure. The intention was to determine if such parameters were associated with late functional outcome after re-establishment of intestinal continuity. Functional outcome in terms of stool frequency (day and night), incontinence (day and night), perianal pad use, perianal skin irritation, and the use of constipating agents was assessed for all 104 patients 1 year or more (median 438 days) after ileostomy closure. A low mean anal sphincter resting pressure before ileostomy closure was associated with subsequent nocturnal incontinence (P less than 0.05) and, to a lesser extent, the need to use constipating agents (P = 0.08). Pouch compliance if low before ileostomy closure was associated with an increased frequency of nocturnal stool frequency after 1 year (P less than 0.05). Anal canal length, and sphincter squeeze pressure and pouch capacity before ileostomy closure were not related to subsequent functional outcome in these patients.     

Factors influencing bowel function after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis

Seventeen patients were studied 3-31 months (median 6.4 months) after mucosal proctectomy and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for ulcerative colitis (n = 15) or adenomatous polyposis (n = 2). Seven had a triplicated pouch, and ten a duplicated pouch. Clinical bowel function was determined by detailed questionnaire, and correlations sought between clinical end-points such as frequency of defaecation, urgency of defaecation and continence, and the results of laboratory investigations, comprising anal manometry, capacity and compliance of the pouch, completeness of emptying, faecal bacteriology and mucosal inflammation. Frequency of defaecation was found to be inversely correlated with both the capacity (rs = -0.66, P less than 0.01) and the compliance (rs = -0.53, P less than 0.05) of the pouch. Patients who could postpone defaecation for greater than 30 min had higher anal squeeze pressures (P less than 0.05) than patients who had greater urgency of defaecation. Patients with perfect anal continence had higher resting anal pressure (P less than 0.05) and emptied the pouch more completely (P less than 0.01) than patients who experienced minor leakage. The faecal flora of the pouches showed a greater predominance of anaerobes (P less than 0.01) and increased numbers of bacteroides (P less than 0.01) compared with the faecal flora of ileostomies, but the changes in the flora did not correlate with any aspect of bowel function. The best clinical results (i.e. perfect continence, low frequency of defaecation and little urgency) were associated with high anal pressure and with large volume, high compliance and complete emptying of the pouch. The completeness of emptying was similar for both designs of pouch, but the capacity and compliance of triplicated pouches were greater than the capacity and compliance of duplicated J pouches (P less than 0.05), and this was associated with a better clinical result in the triplicated pouches.     

Quadruple-loop (W) ileal pouch reconstruction after proctocolectomy: analysis and functional results

This report analyzes experience with a modified four-limb W-shaped ileal pouch that has a larger initial capacity than do J- or S-shaped pouch designs. Fifteen patients (median age: 35 years) underwent W pouch reconstruction after proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis and familial adenomatous polyposis. Follow-up on each patient averaged 14 months (range: 6 to 24 months). All procedures were performed without death and with minimal morbidity. Assessment of functional results showed 24-hour stool frequency (mean +/- SEM) decreasing from 6.0 +/- 0.39 initially to 4.8 +/- 0.43 at 1 year (p less than 0.005). Night evacuation decreased from 1.1 +/- 0.2 at 1 month after surgery to 0.25 +/- 0.12 at 1 year (p less than 0.025), with 10 of 15 patients having no nocturnal pouch evacuation. Continence was excellent in all patients with the exception of three of 15 patients who had occasional minimal nighttime seepage. Pouch volume determined at surgery by saline solution infusion was 200 +/- 21 ml. Pouch volume and compliance (pressure/volume) were measured before ileostomy closure and at 6 months after surgery via a special pressure-monitored balloon catheter. Maximal pouch volume increased from 190 +/- 21 ml (at time of ileostomy takedown) to 470 +/- 85 ml at 6 months. Ileal reservoir construction with a W pouch design resulted in a low 24-hour and nighttime stool frequency and excellent compliance and evacuation characteristics.     

Factors affecting the bowel function after proctocolectomy and ileal J pouch-anal anastomosis for ulcerative colitis

The aim was to study determinants of postoperative bowel function after restorative proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis. Medical records of patients who underwent proctocolectomy with ileal J pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) in two- or three-stage operations and whose status of defecation was known via a questionnaire were retrospectively reviewed. Bowel function, including stool frequency, stool consistency, and degree of nighttime soiling, was correlated with age at the time of surgery, time after ileostomy closure, mean resting anal pressure, longitudinal length of ileal J pouch, and duration of fecal diversion by using univariate and multivariate analyses. Stool frequency decreased significantly with time after ileostomy closure in both univariate and multivariate analyses. Stool frequency tended to be less in patients having a long J pouch, but the correlation was not significant (P=0.071) in univariate analysis. Nighttime soiling ameliorated with time after ileostomy closure in multivariate, but not univariate, analysis. Deterioration of nighttime soiling was seen in patients whose duration for fecal diversion was long, both in univariate (P=0.068) and multivariate (P=0.052) analyses. Stool consistency was related to none of the five factors investigated. These results indicate that as the time after surgery increases, stool frequency decreases and nighttime soiling ameliorates. Delaying ileostomy closure because of anticipated postoperative incontinence does not significantly alter postoperative continence.     

Anorectal manometry and ileo-anal anastomosis]

Seventeen patients (12 ulcerative colitis, 5 familial adenomatous polyposis) underwent proctocolectomy and ileal J pouch anastomosis. Anal manometry with determination of maximum tolerable volume and a liquid continence test were perform before ileo-anal anastomosis, before closure of the loop ileostomy and 12 months after closure of the loop ileostomy. All patients were continent during the daytime less 12 months after proctocolectomy. The mean stool frequency was 5 stools per day in our 17 patients. A significant increase in maximum tolerable volume and in the liquid continence test was observed during the first year after closure of the ileostomy. Anal manometry is unnecessary after ileoanal anastomosis, but preoperatively, this test is able to exclude some patients with low anal pressure.     

Clinical and functional outcome after restorative proctocolectomy

Restorative proctocolectomy and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) has been carried out on 88 patients since 1982. Three different pouch designs (J, S and W) were used. Ten pouches had to be removed. Detailed analysis was performed on 61 patients (J = 23, S = 15, W = 23) whose pouches had been functioning for at least 6 months. There was no significant difference in surgical complications before or after ileostomy closure between pouch designs but the hospital stay was greater after construction of an S pouch (P less than 0.05). There were no significant differences in stool frequency, degree of continence or urgency between the three types. Twelve patients with J pouches required antidiarrhoeal medication compared with only one with S and five with W pouches. Only seven patients with S pouches could defaecate spontaneously compared with 22 with W pouches and all patients with J pouches (P less than 0.001). Twenty-five of 29 patients who had preservation of the anal transition zone had perfect continence compared with 23 of 32 with a mucosal proctectomy (P = n.s.). Pouchitis occurred in 13 patients, all of whom had ulcerative colitis. In a subgroup of 23 patients, pouch evacuation was assessed scintigraphically. There was no difference in pouch capacity or total volume evacuated, but spontaneous evacuation was better in J and W pouches compared with S pouches.     

Functional results and quality of life after proctocolectomy and ileal J-pouch-anal anastomosis for ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND: Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis is the surgical standard in the therapy of ulcerative colitis. It was the aim of the present study to evaluate functional long-term results and correlate them with quality of life. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 37 patients with a follow-up of more than 5 years were included. Functional results and quality of life were assessed by standardised questionnaires (modified Kelly-Hohlschneider-Score, EORTC QLQ-C30). RESULTS: 24 of 37 patients could be evaluated. Median follow-up was 8 (5-13) years. Postoperative stool- frequency was 5.5 +/- 1.7/d. When compared with the preoperative situation, patients suffered less from urgency. Stool-frequency and -consistency, soiling and sensibility remained unchanged. 83 % of patients had a subjective increase of life quality with the ileoanal pouch. The quality of life index was almost normal with 83 (28-100) %. Patients with postoperative complications had a significant decrease of life quality when compared to patients with uneventful course. There was no statistically significant correlation of life quality with age, gender or stool continence. CONCLUSIONS: Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis leads to a long-term increase of stool frequency with partially impaired stool continence. Patients with uneventful course have a significantly better life quality.     

Dietary habits after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis

Dietary habits of patients who had undergone ileal pouch-anal anastomosis were assessed and correlated with bowel function. Twenty-four well-adapted patients (11 women, 13 men; mean age 32 years) voluntarily entered the study 30 +/- 4 months after closure of the diverting ileostomy. A standardized questionnaire on 108 food items and a 3-day food journal were used in the assessment. Twenty-one patients had no difficulty in selecting an appropriate diet. Caloric intake was adequate. Specific symptoms associated with several foods were as follows: increased stool frequency (beer, spirits, chinese food), decreased stool consistency (beer, wine, fried fish), perianal irritation (spicy foods), undigested particles (grapefruit, lettuce), odours (eggs). Pasta and bananas were associated with increased stool consistency. The authors believe that these observations may help in dietary counselling after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis.     

Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for chronic ulcerative colitis. Long-term results.

The aim of this study was to determine the long-term outcome among 390 patients with ulcerative colitis who underwent ileal J pouch-anal anastomosis and whether patient or operative factors influenced results. The combined operative morbidity rate for the pouch-anal anastomosis and the subsequent closure of the temporary ileostomy was 29% (bowel obstruction, 22%; pelvic sepsis, 5%), with one death due to pulmonary embolus. The probability of a successful outcome at 5 years was 94%. Of the 24 patients who failed (6% of total), 18 did so within 1 year (4%), three during year 2 (1%), three during year 3 (1%), and none thereafter. Stool frequency (7 stools/24 h), the occurrence of pouchitis (14%), and satisfactory daytime continence (94% of patients) remained stable over 4 years after operation, whereas nocturnal fecal spotting decreased (51% of patients to 20%). Women had more spotting than men, whereas patients over 50 years old had more stools per day than those 50 years or younger. In conclusion, ileal pouch-anal anastomosis achieved a reasonable stool frequency and satisfactory continence in patients with ulcerative colitis over the long-term. These results support the ileal pouch-anal anastomosis as a safe, satisfactory alternative to permanent ileostomy.