Mucosal alterations in the reservoir of patients with Kock's continent ileostomy

Mucosal alterations in the reservoir of 10 patients with Kock's continent ileostomy were investigated and compared with normal ileal mucosa. Morphometric measurements showed a decreased villus length and an increased crypt length as compared with the control group. When the villus to crypt ratio was related to the time elapsed after the continent ileostomy operation, a decrease could be found. Light microscopy evaluations showed colon-like characteristics, which was confirmed by the detection of goblet-cell hyperplasia and the occurrence of sulphomucin-producing cells in the reservoir's mucosa. The number and type of neuroendocrine cells, however, remained unaltered. Dysplastic changes did not occur.