National trends and outcomes of total proctocolectomy and completion proctectomy ileal pouch-anal anastomosis procedures for ulcerative colitis.

AIM: The purpose of this study is to assess US operative trends and outcomes of ulcerative colitis (UC) patients undergoing total proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (TPC-IPAA) or completion proctectomy with IPAA (CP-IPAA). METHODS: Adult UC patients who underwent TPC-IPAA or CP-IPAA were analysed retrospectively using the 2016-2020 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Factors associated with 30-day overall and serious morbidity were identified using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 1696 patients were identified, with 958 patients (56.5%) undergoing TPC-IPAA and 738 (43.5%) undergoing CP-IPAA. A greater proportion of TPC-IPAAs were performed each year (except in 2019) compared to CP-IPAAs over the study period (P trend <0.001). Unadjusted analysis showed comparable rates of overall (20.8% vs. 24.4%, P = 0.076) and serious morbidity (14.3% vs. 12.7%, P = 0.352) between TPC-IPAA and CP-IPAA patients. Robotic TPC-IPAA had no differences in complications compared to laparoscopic and open approaches. Robotic CP-IPAA had higher anastomotic leak rates and longer hospital length of stay compared to laparoscopic and open approaches. Obesity was associated with increased odds of overall and serious morbidity for patients who underwent TPC-IPAA. Steroid/immunosuppressive therapy was associated with increased odds of overall and serious morbidity for patients who underwent CP-IPAA. CONCLUSIONS: Obese patients should be informed of their increased morbidity risk and offered counselling on weight loss prior to surgery when feasible. Patients on steroid/immunosuppressive therapy within 30 days preoperatively should not undergo CP-IPAA or should delay surgery until they can be safely off those medications.

Surgical techniques for mesenteric lengthening in ileoanal pouch surgery: a systematic review.

AIM: The key to successful construction of an ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) following proctocolectomy in patients with ulcerative colitis or familial adenomatous polyposis is the ability of the pouch reservoir to reach the anus well vascularized and without tension. The aim of this systematic review was to provide an overview of previously described different surgical lengthening techniques to achieve adequate length for a tension-free IPAA. METHOD: Pubmed, Embase and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched. Two reviewers conducted a systematic search with combinations of keywords for the surgical procedure and surgical lengthening techniques. All publications that reported one or more surgical lengthening techniques during IPAA surgery in adult patients were selected, consisting of reviews, cohort studies, case reports, human cadaver studies and expert opinions. The primary outcomes measured were the different surgical lengthening techniques and the step-by-step approach they involve that can be used during surgery to achieve adequate length for an IPAA. RESULTS: Of 1577 records reviewed, 19 articles were included in this systematic review describing at least 1181 patients (i.e. one review, four retrospective studies, five human cadaver studies, two case reports and seven expert opinions). A total of six different surgical lengthening techniques with various subtechniques were found and described, consisting of pouch folding, construction of different types of pouches, stepladder incisions, skeletonization of vessels, division and ligation of mesenteric vessels and using an interposition vein graft. No prospective or randomized controlled trials were performed regarding this topic. Quality assessment showed a medium quality of the included studies. CONCLUSION: Different surgical lengthening techniques are described in a step-by-step approach to create adequate mesenteric length during IPAA surgery, in patients in whom the ileal pouch cannot reach the dentate line.

An early experience in robotic ileoanal pouch surgery with robotic intracorporeal single-stapled anastomosis (RiSSA) at a tertiary referral centre.

AIM: A robotic approach to ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) surgery offers advantages over other approaches in terms of precision, improved access to the pelvis and less muscular fatigue for the surgeon. The integrity of the anastomosis is also fundamental to successful IPAA surgery. The robotic platform can permit intracorporeal suturing deep within the pelvis to create a single-stapled, double purse-string anastomosis, which may reduce the risk of anastomotic complications. This study describes the safety and early outcomes of robotic intracorporeal single-stapled anastomosis (RiSSA) amongst patients operated consecutively at a tertiary centre immediately before and following the pandemic. METHOD: A retrospective study of prospectively collected data analysing the outcome of patients undergoing robotic IPAA between 2019 and 2022 was conducted. All procedures were performed with the da Vinci Xi Surgical System (with a hand-assisted suprapubic incision to fashion the pouch). All pouch-anal anastomoses were performed using a double purse-string, single-stapled (RiSSA) method. Demographic, clinical and outcome data were collected. RESULTS: Twenty consecutive patients (nine with ulcerative colitis and 11 with familial adenomatous polyposis) were included with a median age of 25 years (range 16-52); 18 had American Society of Anesthesiologists classification II, and mean body mass index was 24 kg/m2 (range 18.1-34.3). Nine patients (eight ulcerative colitis and one familial adenomatous polyposis) had undergone prior subtotal colectomy and therefore underwent restorative proctectomy with IPAA. Eleven patients underwent restorative proctocolectomy. All procedures were completed robotically. The median length of stay was 9 days (5-49). There were no unplanned admissions to intensive care and no deaths. Three patients were readmitted following hospital discharge for (i) an ileus managed conservatively, (ii) small bowel obstruction managed conservatively and (iii) small bowel obstruction due to constriction at the stoma site necessitating surgery. There were two additional reoperations both for drain complications, one for drain removal and one for drain erosion. On mobilization of the pouch in the latter case, an anastomotic defect was observed. In total, 19/20 patients underwent RiSSA without postoperative anastomotic problems. DISCUSSION: RiSSA offers a safe and feasible alternative technique to other minimally invasive approaches with low rates of anastomosis-related complications.

Outcomes after transanal proctectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis in adolescents.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to describe our initial surgical and functional outcomes of transanal ileal pouch anastomosis (Ta-IPAA) in adolescents. METHODS: A total of 16 adolescents' age ≤ 19 underwent consecutive Ta-IPAA on the indication ulcerative colitis (UC) or familiar adenomatous polyposis (FAP), between January 2018 and September 2022. Primary outcomes were postoperative complications. Secondary outcomes were conversion rates, intraoperative complications, length of hospital stay (LOS), morbidity within 30 days, surgical characteristics, and functional outcomes. RESULTS: Thirteen adolescents with UC and three with FAP underwent Ta-IPAA. The median age of UC patients was 16. They had a colectomy on the indication UC followed by a Ta-IPAA. Median operating time was 247 min, and there were no conversion or intraoperative complications. Median LOS was 7 days. No anastomotic leakage was observed, and three patients had complications within the first 30 days. Three had late complications. The median bowel movements were 5, and 50% had bowel movements during the night. Three children were operated on the indication FAP with proctocolectomy and Ta-IPAA. There were no conversion or intraoperative complications, and the median bowel movements was 4. CONCLUSION: Ta-IPAA approach in children seems to be feasible, safe and offers acceptable functional results.

Postoperative complications, bowel function, and prognosis in restorative proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis-a single-center observational study of 320 patients.

PURPOSE: To determine the selection criteria, postoperative complications, bowel function, and prognosis of stapled ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) and hand-sewn IPAA for ulcerative colitis (UC). METHODS: We defined our surgical indications and strategy, and compared the postoperative complications, bowel function, and prognoses between patients who underwent stapled and hand-sewn IPAA for UC at the Yokohama City University Medical Center between 2004 and 2017. RESULTS: Among 320 patients enrolled, 298 patients underwent stapled IPAA while 22 underwent hand-sewn IPAA. There was no significant difference in the postoperative complications between the two groups. Regarding postoperative bowel function, stapled IPAA caused significantly less soiling (stapled vs hand-sewn: 9.1% vs 41.0%, odds ratio (OR) = 0.14, p < 0.0002), spotting (stapled vs hand-sewn: 23.2% vs 63.6%, OR = 0.17, p < 0.0001), and difficulty in distinguishing feces from flatus (stapled vs hand-sewn: 39.9% vs 63.6%, OR = 0.36, p < 0.026). No postoperative neoplasia was observed at the final follow-up in all patients. CONCLUSION: In this study, there was no clear difference in the postoperative complications between stapled and hand-sewn IPAA, but stapled IPAA resulted in better postoperative bowel function. Postoperative oncogenesis from the residual mucosa is rare. However, future cancer risk remains; thus, careful follow-up is required.

Association Between Portal Vein Thrombosis and Pouchitis in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis.

BACKGROUND: Pouchitis is the most common long-term complication in patients requiring colectomy ileal pouch-anal anastomosis with medically refractory ulcerative colitis or colitis-associated neoplasia. A previous small case series suggests associated between portal vein thrombosis (PVT) and ischemic pouchitis. AIM: To evaluate the association between PVT and other demographic and clinical factors and pouchitis. METHODS: We used Explorys Inc., a population-based database, to search medical records between 1999 and 2020 with SNOMED-CT code criteria for "construction of pouch" and "ileal pouchitis." Patients with pouchitis were compared to those with previous pouch construction without pouchitis. Factors associated with pouchitis identified with univariable analysis were introduced into a multivariable model. A post hoc analysis further stratified demographical findings of the association between PVT and pouchitis. RESULTS: We identified 7900 patients with ileal pouchitis (7.5%) and 97,510 with pouch construction without pouchitis. In multivariate binary logistic regression, adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for the risk of pouchitis in patients with PVT was 10.78 (95% confidence interval [CI] 7.04-16.49, P < 0.001). Other significant factors associated with pouchitis included male gender (aOR 1.11, 95% CI 1.02-1.21, P = 0.018), deep vein thrombosis (aOR 1.46, 95% CI 1.23-1.72, P < 0.001), and the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (aOR 1.37, 95% CI 1.28-1.45, P < 0.001). Smoking was a protective factor (aOR 0.30, 95% CI 0.33-0.36, P < 0.001). Further sub-analysis showed a higher prevalence of younger patients with PVT and pouchitis. CONCLUSIONS: We report PVT as an independent risk factor associated with pouchitis. Our findings support that PVT is a potentially manageable perioperative complication, and intervention may reduce the risk of pouchitis.

Transanal ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for ulcerative colitis: a single-center comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) is the procedure of choice in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) requiring surgery. Advantages of laparoscopic IPAA (lap-IPAA) compared to open surgery have been investigated. However, laparoscopic dissection in the pelvis is still a challenge. A transanal approach provides better access to lower pelvis and avoids multiple staple firings, which could reduce the risk of anastomotic complications. The aim of this study was to compare short-term outcomes of transanal proctectomy with IPAA (ta-IPAA) with conventional lap-IPAA in patients with UC. METHODS: A single-center retrospective study was conducted on consecutive UC patients, treated at Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, undergoing either laparoscopic or transanal IPAA in the period between January 2013 and December 2020. Exclusion criteria were Crohn's disease, previous extensive abdominal surgery and impaired sphincter function. Primary outcomes were overall postoperative complications. Secondary outcomes were length of hospital stay and re-admissions. For comparison between ta-IPAA and lap-IPAA, the Mann-Whitney U test was used for continuous variables, and Chi-square and Fisher's exact test for categorical variables. RESULTS: A total of 65 patients with ta-IPAA (34 males, 31 females, median age 31 years [range 12-66 years]) and 70 patients with lap-IPAA (35 males, 35 females, median age 26 years [range 12-66 years]) were included. There was no difference between ta-IPAA and lap-IPAA regarding age, sex, body mass index or American Society of Anesthesiologists class. The primary colectomy procedure was performed laparoscopically in 95% of the ta-IPPA and 91% of the lap-IPAA patients (p = 0.493). The mean time between total colectomy and IPAA was 15 and 9 weeks for ta-IPAA and lap-IPAA, respectively (p = 0.048). A higher proportion of patients with ta-IPAA were treated with biologics preoperatively (98 vs. 82%; p = 0.002). Patients with ta-IPAA had a significantly higher mean operative time compared to lap-IPAA (277 min vs. 224 min; p = 0.001). There was no difference in the overall postoperative complication rate (ta-IPAA: 23% vs. lap-IPAA: 23%; p = 0.99). Pouch-related complications occurred in 13% of the ta-IPAA patients and 29% of lap-IPPA patients (p = 0.402). There was no difference in the anastomotic leakage rates. Readmission rates were similar in the ta-IPAA and lap-IPAA group (26 vs. 29%; p = 0.85), including IPAA-related readmissions. The mean follow-up time was 24 and 75 months for ta-IPAA and lap-IPAA, respectively (p = 0.001), and the ileostomy closure rate was similar in both groups of patients (p = 0.96). CONCLUSIONS: The ta-IPAA approach for UC is a safe procedure and offers acceptable short-time outcomes.

Laparoscopic robotic-assisted restorative proctocolectomy and ileal J-pouch-anorectal anastomosis in children.

PURPOSE: Total proctocolectomy with ileal J-pouch-anorectal anastomosis (IPAA) remains the preferred surgical treatment for ulcerative colitis (UC) in children. Considering the well-known advantages of minimally invasive approach, and its main application for the deep pelvis, robotic surgery may be used in UC reconstructive procedures. The aim of the study is to report our experience with Robotic IPAA in children. METHODS: Single surgeon experience on Robotic IPAA were prospectively included. Data on patient demographics, surgical details, complications, and length of stay (LOS), were collected. RESULTS: Fifteen patients were included. Median age was 13.2 years, median body weight 45 kg. Median operative time was 240 min. Median LOS was 7 days and mean follow-up time 1 year. No intraoperative complication occurred. Five postoperative complications happened: 3 minors treated conservatively (CD I-II), 2 majors needing reintervention under anesthesia (CD IIIb). No mortality was observed. CONCLUSION: Our preliminary experience reveals that Robotic IPAA is a safe and feasible option for the surgical treatment of UC in children. A bigger patient sample and a long-term follow-up are needed to confirm our findings.

Nurse-led surveillance of ileoanal pouch patients post-stoma reversal: outcomes at 12-month review.

Restorative proctocolectomy with pouch anal anastomosis is the accepted treatment for suitable patients with ulcerative colitis, yet surveillance following stoma reversal remains contentious and involves several issues. While most patients are discharged from routine follow-up between 6 weeks and 3 months, some remain on surveillance pathways indefinitely. A high volume of patients require advice for many months or years after the stoma has been reversed, with the burden of surveillance on consultant-led clinics. Nurse-led follow-up after restorative proctocolectomy has been recognised for decades but has not been validated. This study reports the first protocol-based pathway for nurse-led follow-up. Using validated questionnaires, suitable pouch patients were followed up in nurse-led clinics over a 12-month period then sent an online survey to report on the service they received. Overall, most patients were satisfied with the nurse-led follow-up; however, further engagement and investment in the workforce and infrastructure is required to offer sustainable services.

The Evolution of Pelvic Pouch Surgery: Optimal Pouch Design for an Ileal Pouch Anal Anastomosis.

The history of pouch surgery is rooted in surgical innovation to improve quality of life in patients requiring surgical extirpation of the colon and rectum. From the early straight ileoanal anastomosis to the continent ileostomy to the modern ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA), techniques have evolved in response to pitfalls in design. Optimal IPAA design and construction have changed in response to functional outcomes. Nowadays, restorative proctocolectomy with IPAA is the optimal treatment for patients with ulcerative colitis or familial adenomatous polyposis. The J-pouch with stapled anastomosis has become the preferred procedure. Historical configurations and technical pearls, as described in this article, should be considered by surgeons who regularly care for patients requiring ileal pouch surgery.

Robotic versus laparoscopic ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA): a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Restorative proctocolectomy with ileal-pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) is a curative and cancer preventative procedure in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). It can be technically difficult laparoscopically, and hence the robotic platform has been suggested as a way to enable minimally invasive surgery in more patients. This systematic review examines robotic proctectomy or proctocolectomy with IPAA. A limited meta-analysis was performed on data comparing the robotic approach to laparoscopy. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane database for case series of robotic IPAA procedures and studies comparing the robotic to laparoscopic or open procedures. Data examined includes operating time, conversion to open, length of stay, complications, blood loss, return of bowel function, reoperation rate and functional outcomes. RESULTS: Five non-randomised studies compared robotic to laparoscopic techniques; one compared robotic to open surgery and three case series are included. Operating time was significantly longer in robotic cases. Estimated blood loss was significantly less in three of four studies which reported this; hospital stay was significantly less in two. There were nonsignificant reductions in complications and readmission rates. Pooled analysis of four papers with adequate data showed a nonstatistically significant trend to less complications in robotic procedures. Three studies assessed functional and quality of life outcomes, with little difference between the platforms. CONCLUSIONS: Available data suggests that the robotic platform is safe to use for IPAA procedures. There is minimal evidence for clinical advantages, but with little data to base decisions and significant potential for improvements in technique and cost-effectiveness, further use of the platform for this operation is warranted. It is vital that this occurs within an evaluation framework.

Is diversion free ileal pouch-anal anastomosis a safe procedure? A meta-analysis of 4973 cases.

PURPOSE: Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) has been established as the procedure of choice for patients who require excision of the colon and rectum for familial adenomatous polyposis and ulcerative colitis. The requirement for proximal stomal diversion in IPAA is controversial. OBJECTIVES: To compare post-operative outcomes following IPAA with and without proximal diversion. METHODS: Computerised literature search, of Ovid MEDLINE and EMBASE. Full-text comparative studies published between 1992 and 2019, in English language and on adult patients. Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis with or without proximal stomal diversion following proctocolectomy. Outcome measures were anastomotic leak, anastomosis strictures, re-operations, pouch failure, intra-abdominal sepsis, small bowel obstruction/ileus and mortality. RESULTS: Five hundred and forty-six studies were screened. Fourteen relevant studies included 4973 cases (1832 patients with no stomas vs 3141 with stomas). Anastomotic strictures (p ≤ 0.0001 OR 0.40; 95% CI (0.26-0.62)) and pouch failures (p = 0.003 OR 0.54; 95% CI (0.36-0.82)) were higher in diverted than non-diverted patients. Re-operation was more frequently required in non-diverted patients (p = 0.02 OR 2.51; 95% CI (1.12-5.59)). Heterogeneity was low in 5 out of 7 variables. CONCLUSION: In selected patients, diversion-free IPAA is a safe procedure associated with lower anastomotic stricture and pouch failure rates than diverted IPAA. This appears to occur at the expense of a higher re-operation rate. An RCT is required to help define the selection criteria.

Systematic review on the management of ileoanal pouch-vaginal fistulas after restorative proctocolectomy in the treatment of ulcerative colitis.

AIM: Ileoanal pouch-vaginal fistula (PVF) is a relatively common complication of restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. There are several operative approaches in the management of PVF. There is currently no consensus as to which approach is the most effective or which should be attempted first. METHOD: A systematic review was undertaken following a publicly available protocol registered with PROSPERO (CRD42019133750) in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Online searches of databases MEDLINE and Embase, Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, EU Clinical Trials and ISRCTN registry were performed. RESULTS: Twenty-seven articles met the criteria for inclusion in the study: 13 retrospective cohort studies, two prospective cohort studies, eight case series, three case reports and a case-control study. A narrative synthesis was performed due to heterogeneity between included articles. Our study included 577 PVFs, and the incidence rate was 2.1%-17.1%. Both local and abdominal approaches were used in the management of PVF. The overall success of local and abdominal procedures was 44.9% and 60.2% respectively. ROBINS-I assessment revealed a critical risk of bias. GRADE assessment indicated a very low certainty in effect size and evidence quality. CONCLUSION: Local interventions and abdominal approaches have a high failure rate. The results of this review will aid the counselling of patients with this condition. Furthermore, we provide an algorithm for discussion on the management of PVF based on experience at our local centre. The studies available on the management of PVF are low quality; a large prospective registry and Delphi consensus are required to further this area of research.

Development of a systematic approach to conversion of the ileoanal pouch into continent ileostomy.

Based on practical experience, a systematic approach to conversion of ileal J-pouches into continent ileostomies is developed by defining three types of conversion surgery, each with two subtypes. Type 1 refers to conversion without pouch reconstruction, type 2 to partial pouch reconstruction, and type 3 to complete pouch reconstruction. The subdivisions (a and b) take into account whether the afferent loop of the former pelvic pouch (a) or a higher ileal/jejunal segment of the small intestine (b) is used in conversion and/or reconstruction. The six resulting surgical variants are shown in schematic illustrations with accompanying descriptions of technical details to provide the specialized surgeon with comprehensive technical guidance.

D-pouch: a modified ileal J-pouch for patients with ulcerative colitis and familial adenomatous polyposis.

BACKGROUND: Ileal J-pouch anal anastomosis (J-IPAA) is the standard approach for patients requiring restorative proctocolectomy due to familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or ulcerative colitis (UC). To obviate the risk of a J-tip leak, we modified the J-pouch with a D-pouch anal anastomosis (D-IPAA) designed to eliminate the ileal stump. The aim of our study was to evaluate the feasibility, safety and medium-term functional outcomes of D-IPAA. METHODS: A retrospective comparison was made between D-IPAA and J-IPAA constructions after a restorative proctocolectomy. Clinical data were collated between October 2014-March 2018 recording operation duration, pouch construction time, pouch volume, intraoperative estimated blood loss, complication rates, readmissions and cumulative length of hospitalization. Continence was assessed at the final visit with the Wexner Cleveland Clinic Score along with the Cleveland Global Quality of Life (CGQL) scale. RESULTS: A total of 97 patients with FAP (n = 28) and UC (n = 69) who had J-IPAA (n = 54) or D-IPAA (n = 43) after proctocolectomy were identified. Patients were well matched with no differences noted in the intraoperative variables between the J- and D-pouch groups. The D-pouch construction time was shorter than that for a standard J-pouch. There was no difference in major or minor complications between groups. A pouch leak developed in each group: a cutaneous fistula from J tip leak in the J-IPAA group and a pouch-vaginal fistula from the IPAA the D-IPAA group. Clinical outcomes (the number of bowel movements) were equivalent in the two groups with the Wexner score significantly improving within each group up to 2.5 years and with improvement in the CGQL after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The D-pouch construction is safe and feasible for patients with UC and FAP with good functional outcome over the medium term and the potential to reduce the risk of pouch leaks.

Single-stage restorative proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis in pediatric patients: a safe alternative.

BACKGROUND: Surgical management for refractory ulcerative colitis (UC) has been restorative proctocolectomy (RP) with ileal-pouch-anal-anastomosis (IPAA) done as one to three stages, with safety and effectiveness of a single-stage operation unclear. METHODS: Pediatric UC patients from 2004 to 2019 who underwent RP/IPAA in the initial operation were retrospectively reviewed. 1-stage operations were matched 1:2 to 2-stage operations using age, duration of disease, and disease severity. RESULTS: Ninety-nine patients (33 1-stage, 66 2-stage) were identified. The median total operative time was shorter in the 1-stage group (6 h:00 min vs. 7 h:47 min, p = 0.004). Total length of stay was shorter in the 1-stage group (9 vs. 17 days, p = 0.001). Rates of readmission were higher in 2-stage group (30 vs. 9%, p = 0.02). There was no difference in pouch leak rates (p = 1.00). Stricture rates were higher in the 2-stage group (50 vs. 16%, p = 0.005). Functional outcomes including pouchitis (p = 0.13), daily bowel movements (p = 0.37), and incontinence (p = 0.77) were all similar. CONCLUSIONS: Restorative proctocolectomy with IPAA in children with UC can be performed as a 1- or 2-stage operation with equivalent short-term, long-term, and functional outcomes in similar risk population. Our findings suggest 1-stage RP/IPAA operations without ileostomy are a safe alternative for patients considered for a 2-stage operation.

Pouch failures following restorative proctocolectomy in ulcerative colitis.

PURPOSE: Restorative proctocolectomy (RPC) is the most common operation in ulcerative colitis. Nevertheless, permanent ileostomy will sometimes be unavoidable. The aim was to evaluate the reasons for pouch failure and early morbidity after pouch excision. METHODS: The number and the reasons for pouch failures were analysed in patients undergoing RPC 1985-2016. RESULTS: Out of 491 RPC patients, 53 experienced pouch failure (10 women, 43 men); 52 out of 53 underwent pouch excision. The cumulative risk for excision at 5, 10 and 20 years was 5.6, 9.4 and 15.5%, respectively. The reasons for failure included septic events such as fistula in 12 (23%), chronic pouchitis in 11 (21%) and leakage in 8 (15%) patients. Functional reasons for pouch failure were recorded as poor function in 16 (30%), incontinence in 12 (23%) and stricture in 12 (23%) patients. Multiple causes for pouch failure were recorded for individual patients. Seven cases of Crohn's disease were found among the failure cases: two before pouch excision and five after. Altogether, 15 Crohn's disease diagnoses were set in the RPC cohort, giving a percentage of 47% of pouch failure in this disorder. A complication occurred in 23 (44%) patients within 30 days after surgery; 16 were mild (Clavien-Dindo grades I-II). CONCLUSIONS: Eleven percent of RPC patients suffered pouch failure: more men than women. The reasons were multiple. Crohn's disease created a risk of failure, but a half of these patients maintained the pouch. Morbidity after pouch excision was moderate, but in most cases slight.

Modified two-stage restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for ulcerative colitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational research.

PURPOSE: Restorative proctocolectomy (RPC) is performed for patients with refractory ulcerative colitis (UC). This operation is performed in 2 or 3 stages and involves forming a diverting loop ileostomy thought to protect patients from complications related to anastomotic leak. However, some advocate for a modified 2-stage approach, consisting of subtotal colectomy followed by completion proctectomy and ileal pouch anal anastomosis without diverting ileostomy. We present a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing postoperative complication rates between modified 2-stage and traditional RPC with ileal pouch anal anastomosis. METHODS: Records were sourced from PubMed/Embase databases. Studies comparing postoperative complications following RPC for ulcerative colitis (UC) were selected according to PRISMA guidelines comparing modified 2-stage (exposure), classic 2-stage, and 3-stage approaches (comparators). The primary outcome measure was safety as measured by postoperative complication rates. We employed random effects meta-analysis. RESULTS: We included ten observational studies including 1727 patients (38% modified 2-stage). Among pediatric patients, modified 2-stage approaches had higher rates of anastomotic leak than 3-stage approaches (p = 0.03). Among adult cohorts with lower preoperative biologic use rates, modified 2-stage approaches had lower leak rates than classic 2-stage approaches (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The modified 2-stage approach may be safe for adult patients who otherwise require a 3-stage approach while reducing costs and length of stay. Pediatric patients may benefit from lower leak rates when receiving 3-stage compared with modified 2-stage approaches, especially when on biologics. The modified 2-stage approach may be safer than the classic 2-stage approach for adult patients with lower biologic exposure.

Pouch wall thickness and floppy pouch complex.

BACKGROUND: Floppy pouch complex (FPC) consists of disease phenotypes in patients with ileal pouches, including pouch prolapse, afferent limb syndrome, enterocele, redundant loop, and pouch folding. Our recent study demonstrated that lower body weight, lower peripouch fat, family history of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), female gender, and dyschezia are risk factors for FPC patients with IBD. The aims of this study were to assess the relationship between pouch wall thickness and FPC, and to investigate the association between inflamed and non-inflamed pouch wall thickness. METHODS: This case-control study included all eligible patients with FPC from our prospectively maintained, IRB-approved Pouchitis Registry from 2011 to 2017. We measured pouch wall thickness of fully distended pouches on cross-sectional abdominal and pelvic imaging. Patients with stoma and non-distended pouches were completely excluded. Risk factors for FPC were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 140 out of 451 patients from our were found to have fully distended pouches on imaging. Of the 140 patients, 36 (25.7%) were diagnosed as having FPC. We analyzed pouch wall thickness for each subcategory of FPC as well as non-FPC conditions. The thickness of pouch wall was follows: pouch prolapse (N = 19): 1.5 mm (1.5-2.0), afferent limb syndrome (N = 12): 1.5 mm (1.1-2.0), folded pouch (N = 4): 1.5 mm (1.1-1.9), and redundant pouch (N = 2): 1.3 mm (1.0-1.3). The control group (N = 104) consisting of normal pouch, pouchitis, cuffitis, Crohn's disease of the pouch, and pouch sinus with median pouch wall thickness of 1.5 mm, 2.3 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.0 mm, and 1.5 mm, respectively. There were significant differences in pouch wall thickness between normal or non-inflamed pouch versus pouchitis versus cuffitis versus Crohn's disease of the pouch with p values of 0.01, 0.04, 0.05, and 0.049, respectively. CONCLUSION: Patients with FPC were shown to have thin pouch wall, which those with inflammatory conditions of the pouch tended to have thick pouch wall. These findings will have implications in both diagnosis and investigation of etiopathogenesis of these disorders.

Successful management of a submucosal fibroid using a hysteroscopic morcellator system in a patient with a history of total proctocolectomy: A case report.

Transcervical resection is widely used in the management of submucosal fibroids. However, uterine perforation and thermal bowel injuries are known complications associated with the procedure. This is a case report of a 44-year-old woman who presented with heavy menstrual bleeding and anemia. Magnetic resonance imaging and hysteroscopy revealed multiple fibroids, including a submucosal type 1 fibroid. She had previously undergone a total proctocolectomy with intestinal pouch-anal anastomosis for ulcerative colitis. Because there was a high risk of permanent colostomy in the event of a bowel injury, an electrode-free, operative hysteroscopy using the Intrauterine Bigatti Shaver (IBS), a hysteroscopic morcellator system, was employed to prevent thermal bowel injury. The fibroid was completely removed using the IBS system with no complications. Therefore, we recommend the electrode-free use of a hysteroscopic morcellator system in patients with a history of extensive pelvic surgery.