Mucosectomy and stapled pouch-anal anastomosis in familial adenomatous polyposis.

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