The impact of colectomy and restorative procedure on pouch function after ileo-pouch-anal anastomosis in ulcerative colitis. The icon fun study on behalf of the Italian Society of Colon and Rectal Surgery (SICCR) Inflammatory Bowel Diseases committee.

BACKGROUND: Available guidelines lack in indications on surgical standard in Ulcerative Colitis (UC) AIMS: To determine the role of surgical strategies of colectomy and proctectomy with pouch-anal-anastomosis (IPAA) on functional outcomes in a nationwide population multicenter study. The secondary aims consisted of perioperative outcomes and complications. METHODS: Data on 379 patients who underwent total abdominal colectomy and proctectomy with ileo-pouch-anal-anastomosis (IPAA) with or without diverting ileostomy were retrospectively collected in a red cap multicenter-database searching for variables that could impact on pouch outcomes as cuffitis, pouchitis, anastomotic stenosis, pouch stenosis, failure or pathological Low-Anterior-Resection-Syndrome (LARS) score. RESULTS: Mesocolic dissection sealing vessels at major trunks and from medial to lateral are associated with better outcomes. Laparoscopy is associated with lower rate of cuffitis over time (p = 0.028). Mesentery lengthening is associated with higher pouchitis rate (p = 0.015) and earlier failure (p < 0.0001). Hand-sewn IPAA results in early anastomotic stenosis (p = 0.00011). The Transanal-Transection and Single-Stapling Anastomosis (TTSS) showed to be protective against pouchitis. Extended dissection of adhesions correlates with lower rate of pouchitis-episodes (p = 0.0057). CONCLUSIONS: The study highlights advantages of laparoscopy. New techniques such as TTSS promise further improvements. Mesentery lengthening correlates with high risk of pouch-failure and pouchitis, hand-sewn anastomosis increased risk of stenosis.

Association between mucosectomy and endoscopic outcomes in patients with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis.

Background: In patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) for whom medical therapy is unsuccessful or who develop colitis-associated neoplasia, restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) is often indicated. One consideration for surgeons performing this procedure is whether to create this anastomosis using a stapled technique without mucosectomy or using a hand-sewn technique with mucosectomy. This study tested the association between IPAA anastomosis technique and cuffitis and/or pouchitis, assessed endoscopically. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study. We included consecutive adult patients with IBD who had undergone IPAA and had received index pouchoscopies at Columbia University Irving Medical Center between 2020 and 2022. Patients were then followed up from this index pouchoscopy for ≤12 months to a subsequent pouchoscopy. The primary exposure was mucosectomy vs non-mucosectomy and the primary outcome was cuffitis and/or pouchitis, defined as a Pouch Disease Activity Index endoscopy subscore of ≥1. Results: There were 76 patients who met study criteria including 49 (64%) who had undergone mucosectomy and 27 (36%) who had not. Rates of cuffitis and/or pouchitis were 49% among those with mucosectomy vs 41% among those without mucosectomy (P = 0.49). Time-to-event analysis affirmed these findings (log-rank P = 0.77). Stricture formation was more likely among patients with mucosectomy compared with those without mucosectomy (45% vs 19%, P = 0.02). Conclusions: There was no association between anastomosis technique and cuffitis and/or pouchitis among patients with IBD. These results may support the selection of stapled anastomosis over hand-sewn anastomosis with mucosectomy.

Mucosal Single-Cell Profiling of Crohn's-Like Disease of the Pouch Reveals Unique Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Targets.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The pathophysiology of Crohn's-like disease of the pouch (CDP) in patients with a history of ulcerative colitis (UC) is unknown. We examined mucosal cells from patients with and without CDP using single-cell analyses. METHODS: Endoscopic samples were collected from pouch body and prepouch ileum (pouch/ileum) of 50 patients with an ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. Single-cell RNA sequencing was performed on pouch/ileal tissues of patients with normal pouch/ileum and CDP. Mass cytometry was performed on mucosal immune cells from patients with UC with normal pouch/ileum, CDP, pouchitis, and those with familial adenomatous polyposis after pouch formation. Findings were independently validated using immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The cell populations/states in the pouch body differed from those in the prepouch ileum, likely secondary to increased microbial burden. Compared with the familial adenomatous polyposis pouch, the UC pouch was enriched in colitogenic immune cells even without inflammation. CDP was characterized by increases in T helper 17 cells, inflammatory fibroblasts, inflammatory monocytes, TREM1+ monocytes, clonal expansion of effector T cells, and overexpression of T helper 17 cells-inducing cytokine genes such as IL23, IL1B, and IL6 by mononuclear phagocytes. Ligand-receptor analysis further revealed a stromal-mononuclear phagocytes-lymphocyte circuit in CDP. Integrated analysis showed that up-regulated immune mediators in CDP were similar to those in CD and pouchitis, but not UC. Additionally, CDP pouch/ileum exhibited heightened endoplasmic reticulum stress across all major cell compartments. CONCLUSIONS: CDP likely represents a distinct entity of inflammatory bowel disease with heightened endoplasmic reticulum stress in both immune and nonimmune cells, which may become a novel diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for CDP.

Does Timing of Ileal Pouch-Anal Anastomosis Matter in Patients With Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis and Orthotopic Liver Transplantation? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Introduction: Pouchitis is the most common complication in patients with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA), which can develop in up to 66% of patients. There is limited data on the effect of orthoptic liver transplantation (OLT) on the risk of developing pouchitis. We aimed to objectively assess whether OLT itself significantly modifies the risk of developing pouchitis in patients with overlap PSC and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Method: We searched Medline, Scopus, and Embase databases from inception through September 2023 for studies that describe the outcomes of IPAA in patients with PSC and IBD who also have a history of OLT. Pooled proportions, Odds Ratio (OR), and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for data were calculated utilizing a random effects model. Using the Freeman-Turkey double arcsine transformation (FTT) method, the pooled weight-adjusted estimate of event rates for clinical outcomes in each group was also calculated. Heterogeneity between studies was assessed using the Cochrane Q statistic (I2). Results: Seven studies with a total of 291 patients with a history of PSC, IBD, and OLT were identified. The pooled overall risk of pouchitis in PSC/IBD patients with a history of OLT was 65% (95% CI: 0.57-0.72), with no heterogeneity observed in the analysis (I2 = 0%). In a subgroup analysis of patients who had IPAA followed by OLT, 3 studies with 28 patients were included; the pooled risk of pouchitis after IPAA and OLT was 83% (95% CI: 0.71-0.94; I2 = 0%), which was significantly higher (P < .001) than the OLT followed by IPAA group (59%; 95 CI: 0.48-0.71; I2 = 0%). There was no difference in the risk of pouchitis between OLT and non-OLT groups (OR = 1.36; 95% CI: 0.37-5.0). Conclusions: Our meta-analysis revelaed that pouchitis is common in patients who underwent OLT for PSC, especially in those who had IPAA before the OLT. OLT before IPAA may reduce the risk of pouchitis. Further larger studies are warranted to reproduce this and investigate the reason behind this difference.

Current Management of Acute Severe Ulcerative Colitis: New Insights on the Surgical Approaches.

Acute severe ulcerative colitis (ASUC) is a life-threatening medical emergency with considerable morbidity. Despite recent advances in medical IBD therapy, colectomy rates for ASUC remain high. A scoping review of published articles on ASUC was performed. We collected data, such as general information of the disease, diagnosis and initial assessment, and available medical and surgical treatments focusing on technical aspects of surgical approaches. The most relevant articles were considered in this scoping review. The management of ASUC is challenging; currently, personalized treatment for it is unavailable. Sequential medical therapy should be administrated, preferably in high-volume IBD centers with close patient monitoring and indication for surgery in those cases with persistent symptoms despite medical treatment, complications, and clinical worsening. A total colectomy with end ileostomy is typically performed in the acute setting. Managing rectal stump is challenging, and all individual and technical aspects should be considered. Conversely, when performing elective colectomy for ASUC, a staged surgical procedure is usually preferred, thus optimizing the patients' status preoperatively and minimizing postoperative complications. The minimally invasive approach should be selected whenever technically feasible. Robotic versus laparoscopic ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) has shown similar outcomes in terms of safety and postoperative morbidity. The transanal approach to ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (Ta-IPAA) is a recent technique for creating an ileal pouch-anal anastomosis via a transanal route. Early experiences suggest comparable short- and medium-term functional results of the transanal technique to those of traditional approaches. However, there is a need for additional comparative outcomes data and a better understanding of the ideal training and implementation pathways for this procedure. This manuscript predominantly explores the surgical treatment of ASUC. Additionally, it provides an overview of currently available medical treatment options that the surgeon should reasonably consider in a multidisciplinary setting.

Two-step versus three-step proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis: a comparative study on nutritional status, immunosuppressive therapy, and long-term outcome.

BACKGROUND: Despite novel medical therapies, rates of surgery in ulcerative colitis remain relevant. While various surgical approaches for multistep proctocolectomy are available, overall evidence is low and robust recommendations are lacking for individual procedures especially in case of refractory inflammation and signs of malnutrition. METHODS: All patients who received multistep proctocolectomy between 2010 and 2021 for ulcerative colitis were evaluated and divided into two groups (two-step/2-IPAA [ileal pouch-anal anastomosis] versus three-step/3-IPAA proctocolectomy). Patient characteristics as well as short- and long-outcomes were individually analyzed. RESULTS: Surgical techniques were explained in detail. Fifty patients were included in the study with 27 patients receiving 2-IPAA and 23 patients 3-IPAA. Rates of postoperative complications were comparable for both groups. While patients receiving 2-IPAA were more often suffering from malignancy, 3-IPAA resulted in a significant increase of hemoglobin and albumin levels as well as a reduction of immunosuppressive medication. Rates of stoma reversal trended to be reduced for 3-IPAA compared to 2-IPAA (52.2% vs. 77.8%, p = 0.06). CONCLUSION: Three-step proctocolectomy with creation of sigmoidostomy is a safe procedure and reasonable surgical approach in patients with preoperatively high dosages of immunosuppressive medication or risk factors such as persistent active inflammation and anemia.

Current management of familial adenomatous polyposis.

INTRODUCTION: APC-associated polyposis is a rare hereditary disorder characterized by the development of multiple adenomas in the digestive tract. Individuals with APC-associated polyposis need to be managed by specialized multidisciplinary teams in dedicated centers. AREAS COVERED: The study aimed to review the literature on Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) to provide an update on diagnostic and surgical management while focusing on strategies to minimize the risk of desmoid-type fibromatosis, cancer in anorectal remnant, and postoperative complications. FAP individuals require a comprehensive approach that includes diagnosis, surveillance, preventive surgery, and addressing specific extracolonic concerns such as duodenal and desmoid tumors. Management should be personalized considering all factors: genotype, phenotype, and personal needs. Total colectomy and ileo-rectal anastomosis have been shown to yield superior QoL results when compared to Restorative Procto colectomy and ileopouch-anal anastomosis with acceptable oncological risk of developing cancer in the rectal stump if patients rigorously adhere to lifelong endoscopic surveillance. Additionally, a low-inflammatory diet may prevent adenomas and cancer by modulating systemic and tissue inflammatory indices. EXPERT OPINION: FAP management requires a multidisciplinary and personalized approach. Integrating genetic advances, innovative surveillance techniques, and emerging therapeutic modalities will contribute to improving outcomes and quality of life for FAP individuals.

Three-dimensional Pouchography: A Proof-of-concept Study of a Breakthrough Technique for Visualising Ileoanal Pouch Anatomy and Morphology in Normal and Mechanical Pouch Complication Patients.

BACKGROUND: Herein, we present a proof-of-concept study of three-dimensional [3D] pouchography using virtual and printed 3D models of ileal pouch-anal anastomosis [IPAA] in patients with normal pouches and in cases of mechanical pouch complications. METHODS: We performed a retrospective, descriptive case series of a convenience sample of 10 pouch patients with or without pouch dysfunction, who had CT scans appropriate for segmentation who were identified from our pouch registry. The steps involved in clinician-driven automated 3D reconstruction are presented. RESULTS: We included three normal patients who underwent CT imaging and were found to have no primary pouch pathology, and seven patients with known pouch pathology identifiable with 3D reconstruction [including pouch strictures, megapouch, pouch volvulus, and twisted pouches], underwent 3D virtual modelling; one normal and one twisted pouch were 3D-printed. We discovered that 3D pouchography reliably identified staple lines [pouch body, anorectal circular and transverse, and tip of J], the relationship between staple lines, and variations in pouch morphology and pouch pathology. CONCLUSION: Three-dimensional reconstruction of IPAA morphology is highly feasible using readily available technology. In our practice, we have found 3D pouchography to be an extremely useful adjunct to diagnose various mechanical pouch complications and improve planning for pouch salvage strategies. Given its ease of use and helpfulness in understanding the pouch structure and function, we have started to routinely integrate 3D pouchography into our clinical pouch referral practice. Further study is needed to formally assess the value of this technique to aid in the diagnosis of pouch pathology.

Complications following ileal pouch-anal anastomosis in pediatric ulcerative colitis.

Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) is the procedure of choice for reconstruction after total proctocolectomy in pediatric patients with ulcerative colitis. 30-60 % of patients undergoing IPAA will experience a postoperative complication. The primary objective of this article is to address the most common complications specific to IPAA in the pediatric population and provide an up-to-date review of their presentation, risk factors, workup, and management. We also share our preferred approaches to management and prevention of complications, where relevant. We intend to provide a concise review on the topic aimed at pediatric surgeons and healthcare providers involved in the care of this population with the goal of contributing to improved outcomes and patient quality of life.

Robotic-assisted reoperative ileal pouch-anal anastomosis: robotic pouch excision and pouch revision.

BACKGROUND: Up to 20% of patients with ileal pouch will develop pouch failure, ultimately requiring surgical reintervention. As a result of the complexity of reoperative pouch surgery, minimally invasive approaches were rarely utilized. In this series, we present the outcomes of the patients who underwent robotic-assisted pouch revision or excision to assess its feasibility and short-term results. METHODS: All the patients affected by inflammatory bowel diseases and familial adenomatous polyposis who underwent robotic reoperative surgery of an existing ileal pouch were included. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients were included; 54.6% were female. The average age at reoperation was 51 ± 16 years, with a mean body mass index of 26.1 ± 5.6 kg/m2. Fourteen (63.7%) had a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis at reoperation, and seven (31.8%) had Crohn's disease. The mean time to pouch reoperation was 12.8 ± 11.8 years. Seventeen (77.3%) patients underwent pouch excision, and five (22.7%) had pouch revision surgery. The mean operative time was 372 ± 131 min, and the estimated blood loss was 199 ± 196.7 ml. The conversion rate was 9.1%, the 30-day morbidity rate was 27.3% (with only one complication reaching Clavien-Dindo grade IIIB), and the mean length of stay was 5.8 ± 3.9 days. The readmission rate was 18.2%, the reoperation rate was 4.6%, and mortality was nihil. All patients in the pouch revisional group are stoma-free. CONCLUSION: Robotic reoperative pouch surgery in highly selected patients is technically feasible with acceptable outcomes.

Three-stage versus modified two-stage surgery for ulcerative colitis: a patient-centred treatment trade-off study.

AIM: There is ongoing debate about whether ileal pouch-anal anastomosis needs temporary diversion at the time of construction. Stomas may reduce risk for anastomotic leak (AL) but are also associated with complications, emergency department visits and readmissions. This treatment trade-off study aims to measure patients' preferences by assessing the absolute risk of AL and pouch failure (PF) they are willing to accept to avoid a diverting ileostomy. METHODS: Fifty-two patients with ulcerative colitis, with or without previous pouch surgery, from Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, participated in this study. Standardized interviews were conducted using the treatment trade-off threshold technique. An online anonymous survey was used to collect patient demographics. We measured the absolute increased risk in AL and PF that patients would accept to undergo modified two-stage surgery as opposed to traditional three-stage surgery. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients (mean age 38.7 ± 15.3) with previous surgery and 20 patients (mean age 39.5 ± 11.9) with no previous surgery participated. Patients were willing to accept an absolute increased leak rate of 5% (interquartile range 4.5%-15%) to avoid a diverting ileostomy. Similarly, patients were willing to accept an absolute increased PF rate of 5% (interquartile range 2.5%-10%). Younger patients, aged 21-29, had lower tolerance for PF, accepting an absolute increase of only 2% versus 5% for patients older than 30 (P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Patients were willing to accept a 5% increased AL rate or PF rate to avoid a temporary diverting ileostomy. This should be taken into consideration when deciding between modified two- and three-stage pouch procedures.

Rediversion of the Failing Ileoanal Pouch: First Step in Pouch Salvage?

BACKGROUND: Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis is a technically demanding procedure with many potential complications. Rediversion with an ileostomy is often the first step in pouch salvage; however, it may not be clear if an individual patient will undergo subsequent pouch salvage surgery. We aimed to describe the indications and short- and long-term outcomes of rediversion in our pouch registry. METHODS: We queried our institutional pouch registry for patients who underwent index 2- or 3-stage IPAA and subsequent rediversion at our institution between 1985 and 2022. Pouches constructed elsewhere, rediverted elsewhere, or those patients who underwent pouch salvage/excision without prior rediversion were excluded. Patients were selected for pouch salvage according to the surgeon's discretion. RESULTS: Overall, 177 patients (3.4% of 5207 index pouches) were rediverted. At index pouch, median patient age was 32 years and 50.8% were women. Diagnoses included ulcerative colitis (86.4%), indeterminate colitis (6.2%), familial adenomatous polyposis (4.0%), and others (3.4%). Median time from prior ileostomy closure to rediversion was 7.2 years. Indications for rediversion were inflammatory in 98 (55.4%) and noninflammatory in 79 (44.6%) patients. After rediversion, 52% underwent pouch salvage, 30% had no further surgery, and 18.1% underwent pouch excision. The 5-year pouch survival rates for inflammatory and noninflammatory indications were 71.5% and 94.5%, respectively (P = .02). CONCLUSION: Rediversion of ileoanal pouches is a safe initial strategy to manage failing pouches and is a useful first step in pouch salvage in many patients. Subsequent salvage surgery for noninflammatory indications had a significantly higher pouch salvage rate than those rediverted for inflammatory complications.

Rediversion with an ileostomy was a safe, useful first step in pouch salvage, and subsequent salvage surgery for noninflammatory indications had a significantly higher pouch salvage rate than those rediverted for inflammatory complications.

A retrospective cohort study on renal morbidity related to stoma type in inflammatory bowel disease patients following colectomy and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis surgery.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Defunctioning loop ileostomy (DLI) is frequently used to decrease the consequences of anastomotic leak after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) surgery but is controversial because of stoma-associated morbidity. The aim of this study was to describe stoma-associated morbidity in IPAA-DLI patients compared with terminal ileostomy patients. METHODS: Patients treated with colectomy for inflammatory bowel disease at Skåne University Hospital, Sweden, between 2005 and 2021 were eligible for inclusion. Terminal stoma-related morbidity was measured until 12 months after colectomy, IPAA surgery, or conversion to ileorectal anastomosis, whichever occurred first. DLI-related morbidity was measured until 12 months after IPAA surgery or stoma closure, whichever occurred first. Laboratory data were reviewed up to 18 months after surgery since patients without complications were rarely subjected to blood sampling. Data on patient characteristics, renal function, surgical complications, and readmissions were collected retrospectively. Primary outcomes were DLI- and terminal ileostomy-related renal morbidity, whereas secondary outcomes focused on stoma-related complications. RESULTS: The study cohort consisted of 165 patients with terminal ileostomy after colectomy (median (interquartile range (IQR)): stoma time 30 (15-74) months) and 42 patients with IPAA-DLI (median (IQR): stoma time 4 (3-5) months). One case of anastomotic IPAA leakage was observed. IPAA-DLI patients more often required hospital care due to high-volume stoma output immediately after surgery (0-30 days, 29%) compared with terminal ileostomy patients (4%, p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in acute renal injury (p = 0.073) or chronic renal failure (p = 0.936) incidences between the groups. DLI closure was achieved in 95% of IPAA-DLI patients, with 5% suffering Clavien-Dindo complications > 2. CONCLUSIONS: IPAA-DLI patients exhibited higher incidence of short-term high-volume stoma output without higher rates of acute renal injury or chronic renal failure compared with terminal ileostomy patients in this small single-center retrospective study suggesting that the risk of renal morbidity in IPAA-DLI patients may have been overestimated.

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.

Long-term mental and physical quality of life outcomes following ileal pouch anal anastomosis surgery.

INTRODUCTION: This study presents the authors' experience over 14 years of performing restorative procto-colectomy with ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA). The aim was to study the long-term quality of life outcomes and analyse the predictors of pouch function as well as physical and mental wellbeing. METHODS: This is a single-centre retrospective study conducted in a specialised colorectal surgery unit in the UK. The study included patients who underwent two- or three-staged panproctocolectomy with defunctioning ileostomy for ulcerative colitis (UC) or familial adenomatous polyposis between 2004 and 2018. Data were collected from a prospectively, surgeon-maintained database. Pouch function and quality of life scores were obtained via validated questionnaires. A multivariate analysis was utilised to explore predictors of quality of life and pouch function. RESULTS: The study reports 105 patients who underwent IPAA with a covering ileostomy. The majority of operations were performed for UC (97, 92.4%). The median age of patients was 36 years and the male to female ratio was 1:1. Thirty patients (28.5%) suffered early post-IPAA complications, while pouch failure rate was 11.4% (12/105). Late complications were reported at a rate of 45%. On long-term follow-up, the median Pouch Function Score was 7 (IQR 3-14). Both the physical and mental sections of the quality of life score were at a median indistinguishable from the normal population but had different predictors associated with them. CONCLUSION: Our findings recognise the complex interplay between physical and psychological wellbeing after pouch surgery and advise psychological counselling where appropriate.

Ileoanal pouch revision and excision surgery in a newly established pouch center: requirements and costs for service provision.

Complications of ileoanal pouch surgery affecting function and quality of life may require surgical correction or pouch excision. The management of patients with pouch dysfunction requires a multidisciplinary approach and demand for service provision include multiple healthcare professionals and resources. The aim of this study is to present the service requirements, and surgical outcomes for redo pouch surgery and pouch excision, with cost analysis of the required resources. All patients undergoing surgery for revision or excision of the ileoanal pouch from June 2021 to May 2023 were prospectively included. Patient undergoing only diagnostic procedures, or perineal procedures were excluded. Outcomes within 30 days of surgery were collected, including readmissions and re-operations. Cost analysis of all investigations, outpatient appointments and procedures prior to pouch revision or pouch excision was conducted. Twenty patients were included during the 24 months study period: 13 underwent abdominal revisional pouch surgery, 7 had ileoanal pouch excision. 15 patients (75%) were tertiary referrals from other hospitals in the UK. The median interval between index IPAA surgery and revision was 113 months. Three multidisciplinary clinical appointments, two imaging modalities, and at least one invasive day-surgery procedure were required for each patient prior to surgery. Expertise and infrastructure are needed for indication and peri-operative management of patients with pouch dysfunction requiring pouch revision or pouch excision. We estimated a starting cost of £22.605 ($29.589) for provision of pouch revision or excision surgery for investigations and treatments from referral to the pouch unit to surgery. This likely represents an underestimate as only accounts for procedures performed since referral with pouch dysfunction.

The Ileal Pouch-Anal Anastomosis: Identifying Structural Disorders.

Chronic disorders of a pelvic pouch may result from structural complications secondary to postoperative surgical complications which manifest as a variety of symptoms. Knowing the crucial pitfalls of pouch construction can guide treatment options in patients suffering from signs of pouch failure.

Preoperative Use of Multiple Advanced Therapies Is Not Associated With Endoscopic Inflammatory Pouch Diseases.

BACKGROUND: Patients with an ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) can experience pouch inflammation postoperatively. The use of antitumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) biologics may be associated with pouch inflammation, but limited data exist on the impact of multiple advanced therapies on development of subsequent pouch inflammation. The aim of this study was to assess for an association between preoperative use of multiple advanced therapies and risk of endoscopically detected inflammatory pouch diseases (EIPDs). METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of ulcerative colitis (UC) and indeterminate colitis (IBDU) patients who underwent an IPAA at a quaternary care center from January 2015 to December 2019. Patients were grouped based on number and type of preoperative drug exposures. The primary outcome was EIPD within 5 years of IPAA. RESULTS: Two hundred ninety-eight patients were included in this analysis. Most of these patients had UC (95.0%) and demonstrated pancolonic disease distribution (86.1%). The majority of patients were male (57.4%) and underwent surgery for medically refractory disease (79.2%). The overall median age at surgery was 38.6 years. Preoperatively, 68 patients were biologic/small molecule-naïve, 125 received anti-TNF agents only, and 105 received non-anti-TNF agents only or multiple classes. Ninety-one patients developed EIPD. There was no significant association between type (P = .38) or number (P = .58) of exposures and EIPD, but older individuals had a lower risk of EIPD (P = .001; hazard ratio, 0.972; 95% confidence interval, 0.956-0.989). CONCLUSION: Development of EIPD was not associated with number or type of preoperative advanced therapies.

Assessment of the ileoanal pouch for the colorectal surgeon.

INTRODUCTION: Many pouch complications following ileoanal pouch surgery have an inflammatory or mechanical nature, and specialist colorectal surgeons are required to assess the anatomy of the ileoanal pouch in multiple settings. In this study, we report our stepwise clinical and endoscopic assessment of the patient with an ileoanal pouch. METHODS: The most common configuration of the ileoanal pouch is a J-pouch, and the stapled anastomosis is more frequently performed than a handsewn post-mucosectomy. A structured clinical and endoscopic assessment of the ileoanal pouch must provide information on 7 critical areas: anus and perineum, rectal cuff, pouch anal anastomosis, pouch body, blind end of the pouch, pouch inlet and pre-pouch ileum. RESULTS: We have developed a structured pro forma for step-wise assessment of the ileoanal pouch, according to 7 essential areas to be evaluated, biopsied and reported. The structured assessment of the ileoanal pouch in 102 patients allowed reporting of abnormal findings in 63 (61.7%). Strictures were diagnosed in 27 patients (26.4%), 3 pouch inlet strictures, 21 pouch anal anastomosis strictures, and 3 pre-pouch ileum strictures. Chronic, recurrent pouchitis was diagnosed in 9 patients, whilst 1 patient had Crohn's disease of the pouch. CONCLUSIONS: Detailed clinical history, assessment of symptoms and multidisciplinary input are all essential for the care of patients with an ileoanal pouch. We present a comprehensive reporting pro forma for initial clinical assessment of the patient with an ileoanal pouch, with the aim to guide further investigations and inform multidisciplinary decision-making.

De Novo Crohn's Disease in the Pediatric Pouch.

Children who undergo ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) surgery for refractory ulcerative colitis (UC) may ultimately develop a Crohn's disease (CD) phenotype. This de novo CD is open to broad interpretation and misattribution, and its manifestation in children is poorly understood. The surgically altered environment of the ileal pouch is at risk of a spectrum of ileal pouch disorders, which have limited description in children. In this issue of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, a multicenter, retrospective study of children with UC who underwent IPAA and developed de novo CD highlights the challenges and opportunities of ileal pouch characterization in children.

In this issue of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, a multicenter, retrospective study provides insight into the poorly understood circumstances in which children who have undergone ileal pouch anal anastomosis surgery for refractory ulcerative colitis develop a Crohn's disease phenotype.