Recovery of the internal anal sphincter and continence after restorative proctocolectomy

Functional and manometric outcomes after redo-ileal pouch anal anastomosis in patients with ulcerative colitis

AIM

To retrospectively analyze manometric findings in patients with ulcerative colitis who underwent redo-ileo anal anastomosis for pouch-related complications.

METHODS

Functional and anal manometric parameters were analyzed before, immediately after, and 6 months after the procedure in 17 patients who underwent redo-ileo anal anastomosis between 2001 and 2012.

RESULTS

Of the 17 patients, 13 showed stoma closure and 9 have maintained gastrointestinal continuity with functional pouches. Manometric findings were similar before and immediately after redo-ileo anal anastomosis, including length of high-pressure zone (p = 0.11) and maximum resting and (p = 0.060) squeezing (p = 0.69) pressures, but maximum resting pressure improved significantly 6 months later (p = 0.021). Univariate analysis showed that ulcerative colitis duration <3 years before ileo anal anastomosis (p = 0.0073), interval between pouch-related complications and ileo anal anastomosis <2 years (p = 0.040), and persistent abscess before diversion ileostomy (p = 0.0024) were significant risk factors for pouch failure after redo-ileo anal anastomosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Although maximum resting pressure was significantly reduced 3 months after redo-ileo anal anastomosis, it returned to preoperative levels after 6 months. The length of the high-pressure zone and the maximum squeezing pressure were not affected by this procedure.

Laparoscopic neuromapping in pelvic surgery: scopes of application

BACKGROUND

New developments in intraoperative electrophysiological neuromonitoring for conventional surgery are providing further insights into functional neuroanatomy and nerve-sparing in the minor pelvis. The aim of this study was to open up potential scopes of application in laparoscopy.

METHODS

Ten patients with different indications for surgery (presacral tumor excision, n = 2; resection rectopexy. n = 2; low anterior rectal resection, n = 2; proctocolectomy. n = 2; abdomino-perineal excision of the rectum, n = 2) were investigated prospectively. The pelvic autonomic nerves were bilaterally mapped by laparoscopic electric stimulation under simultaneous electromyography of the internal anal sphincter and manometry of the bladder. Stimulation results were compared to patients' anorectal and urogenital functional outcome.

RESULTS

In all the operations laparoscopic neuromapping (LNM) was technically feasible. Laparoscopy enabled excellent visibility of pelvic neural structures for simple and differentiated electric stimulation. In all cases LNM resulted in significantly evoked electromyographic potentials and intravesical pressure rises. The technique facilitated electrophysiological determination of functional neuroanatomical topography in the minor pelvis. The stimulation results were suitable to confirm laparoscopic nerve-sparing and compatible with patients' anorectal and urogenital functional outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

LNM is technically feasible and opens up a new dimension for verification of functional nerve integrity. Further developments and investigations are mandatory to evaluate its role for laparoscopic nerve-sparing procedures.

Evaluation of vector manometry for characterization of functional outcome after restorative proctocolectomy

AIM

The impact of 3-dimensional vector manometry (VM) for characterization of the functional outcome of restorative proctocolectomy (RP) was studied in 61 patients at a median of 86 months after RP for ulcerative colitis.

METHODS

A 14-day continence diary was utilized to quantify continence, urgency, and the frequency of defecation. The clinical outcome data were correlated to the physiology parameters of VM and volumetry.

RESULTS

VM parameters at rest correlated with postoperative continence but not substantially with stool frequency and urgency. High radial asymmetry was significantly correlated with the degree of incontinence (r=0.333, p=0.013). Resting pressures demonstrated a better correlation with the degree of incontinence when documented for the high-pressure zone (HPZ; portion of the sphincter with at least 50% of the maximum pressure; r=0.301, p=0.025) and when performed in the continuous pull-through technique. Stool frequency and urgency were better characterized by volumetry parameters like threshold volumes and pouch compliance. The specificity and sensitivity of the vector volume at rest of the HPZ for the prediction of incontinence was 63.6% and 59.1%, respectively. The corresponding values were 67% and 68%, respectively, for radial asymmetry at rest. Stool frequency and urgency were better characterized by volumetry parameters like threshold volumes and pouch compliance.

CONCLUSION

A strong anal sphincter at rest and a consistent radial distribution of the sphincter pressure are the most reliable indicators of continence after RP obtained by VM, but their clinical usefulness is limited.

Should ileal pouch-anal anastomosis include mucosectomy?

OBJECTIVE

Debate exists as to the benefits of performing mucosectomy as part of pouch surgery for ulcerative colitis (UC) and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Whilst mucosectomy results in a more complete removal of diseased mucosa, this benefit may be at the price of poorer function. We examined these issues.

METHOD

Using Medline, Embase, Ovid and Cochrane database searches papers were identified relating to the outcome following pouch surgery with and without mucosectomy. Potential reasons for functional problems were investigated, as were rates of 'cuffitis', dysplasia, polyposis and cancer in the ileal pouch and anal canal.

RESULTS

The available evidence suggests that performing a mucosectomy leads to a worse functional outcome. Meta-analysis suggested that nighttime seepage of stool and resting and squeeze pressure were worse after mucosectomy. The most likely reason for functional impairment following pouch surgery was the degree of anal manipulation. Mucosectomy does seem to confer benefit in terms of disease control but this benefit does not reach statistical significance.

CONCLUSION

Stapled anastomosis avoiding mucosectomy is the approach of choice for ileal pouch anal anastomosis because this leads to superior functional outcome. Performing mucosectomy results in some clinical benefits in terms of lower rates of inflammation and dysplasia in the retained mucosa in UC patients and lower rates of cuff polyposis in FAP patients. However, on the basis of available evidence mucosectomy is only indicated in those cases where the patient is at a high risk of disease in the retained rectal cuff.

Impact of proctectomy on continence and sexual function in women

Whether treating a patient with colorectal cancer, or inflammatory bowel disease, or a variety of other gastrointestinal ailments, gastroenterologists sometimes need to enlist the help of colorectal surgeons to treat their patients. Surgical resection of the rectum is a frequently preformed procedure that has changed significantly over the last century. We have progressed from the early twentieth century, when removal of the rectum and anus with a permanent colostomy was a revolutionary and life-saving treatment for rectal cancer, to the present era of rectal resection and multiple, complex options for its reconstruction. Extensive knowledge of the pelvic anatomy is necessary in order for surgeons to preserve pelvic function while excising diseased tissue. Pelvic surgery poses unique challenges to patients, and proctectomy can drastically affect a woman's continence, sexual function, and fertility. It is imperative for gastroenterologists to understand how proctectomy can affect their patient's quality of life, independent of their disease state.

Functional results and visceral perception after ileo neo-rectal anastomosis in patients: a pilot study

INTRODUCTION

To reduce pouch related complications after restorative proctocolectomy, an alternative procedure was developed, the ileo neo-rectal anastomosis (INRA). This technique consists of rectal mucosa replacement by ileal mucosa and straight ileorectal anastomosis. Our study provides a detailed description of the functional results after INRA.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Eleven patients underwent an INRA procedure with a temporary ileostomy. Anorectal function tests were performed two months prior to and six and 12 months after closure of the ileostomy and comprised: anal manometry, ultrasound examination, rectal balloon distension, and transmucosal electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). Function was subsequently related to the histopathology of rectal biopsy samples.

RESULTS

Median stool frequency decreased from 15/24 hours (10-25) to 6/24 hours (4-11) at one year. All patients reported full continence. Anal sensibility, and resting and squeeze pressures did not change after INRA. Rectal compliance decreased (2.1 (0.7-2.8) v 1.5 (0.4-2.2) and 1.4 (0.8-3.7) ml/mm Hg (p=0.03)) but the maximum tolerated volume increased (70 (50-118) v 96 (39-176) (NS) and 122 (56-185) ml (p=0.03)). Decreasing rectal sensitivity was found: the maximum tolerated pressure increased (14 (8-24) v 22 (8-34) (NS) and 26 (14-40) (p=0.02)) and the rectal threshold for TENS displayed a similar tendency. All patients displayed a low grade chronic inflammatory infiltrate in neorectal biopsy samples before closure of the ileostomy, with no change during follow up.

CONCLUSIONS

The technique of INRA provides a safe alternative for restorative surgery. Stool frequency after INRA improves with time and seems to be related to decreasing sensitivity and not to histopathological changes in the neorectum. Furthermore, after the INRA procedure, all patients reported full continence.

Functional outcomes after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for chronic ulcerative colitis

OBJECTIVE

To assess long-term outcomes after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) for chronic ulcerative colitis (CUC) with specific emphasis on patient sex, childbirth, and age.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Childbirth and the process of aging affect pelvic floor and anal sphincter function independently. Early function after IPAA is good for most patients. Nonetheless, there are concerns about the impact of the aging process as well as pregnancy on long-term functional outcomes after IPAA.

METHODS

Functional outcomes using a standardized questionnaire were prospectively assessed for each patient on an annual basis.

RESULTS

Of the 1,454 patients who underwent IPAA for CUC between 1981 and 1994, 1,386 were part of this study. Median age was 32 years. Median length of follow-up was 8 years. Pelvic sepsis was the primary cause of pouch failure irrespective of sex or age. Functional outcomes were comparable between men and women. Eighty-five women who became pregnant after IPAA had pouch function, which was comparable with women who did not have a child. Daytime and nocturnal incontinence affected older patients more frequently than younger ones. Incontinence became more common the longer the follow-up in older patients, but this was not found in younger patients. Poor anal function led to pouch excision in only 3 of 204 older patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Incontinence rates were significantly higher in older patients after IPAA for CUC compared with younger patients. However, this did not contribute to a greater risk of pouch failure in these older patients. Patient sex and uncomplicated childbirth did not affect long-term functional outcomes.

Anorectal dysfunction following low anterior resection for rectal carcinoma: a comparison between handsewn and stapled anastomosis

Sphincter-saving resection for rectal carcinoma is frequently accompanied by anorectal dysfunction (increased stool frequency and varying degrees of faecal incontinence). Although numerous reports regarding this dysfunction have been published, the exact mechanism is still controversial. The purpose of the present study was to compare the functional results of low anterior resection (LAR) for rectal carcinoma following handsewn and stapled anastomosis. The patients with rectal carcinoma were divided into two groups: LAR with handsewn anastomosis (HS) (n = 15), and LAR with stapled EEA (U.S. Surgical Corporation) anastomosis (EEA) (n = 16; four with 28 mm stapler, 12 with 31 mm stapler). Sixteen patients with carcinoma of sigmoid colon who received high anterior resection (HAR) were taken as the control group. Anorectal functional study was performed preoperatively and post-operatively at 1 week and another after 6 months, whereas routine clinical assessment was carried out preoperatively and 6 months post-operatively. The post-operative maximal resting pressure was significantly reduced in both HS and EEA groups, while a tendency to recovery was observed in the HS and 28 mm stapler group 6 months later. A significant decrease in rectal capacity was noted in the EEA group. The return of rectoanal inhibitory reflex was observed in 67% of the HS group and 37.5% of the EEA group. Although clinically increased stool frequency was experienced in both HS and EEA groups, continence was significantly worse in the EEA group. LAR for rectal carcinoma results in impaired anorectal function, which might present clinically with increased stool frequency and minor faecal soiling. The former may be due partially to reduced neorectal capacity, while the latter may be due to internal anal sphincter dysfunction, possibly because of damage to innervation.

Physiologic evaluation and surgical management of failed ileoanal pouch

BACKGROUND

Following proctocolectomy and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis, a small percentage of patients will have poor functional results attributable to pouchitis or anastomotic or septic complications. Additionally, functional failures can occur secondary to limited pouch capacity and compliance. We present five such patients managed with operative conversion to W-ileal pouch-anal anastomosis and examined physiologic parameters important for improving functional results.

METHODS

Five female patients (mean age, 30 (range, 24-39) years) with poorly functioning J-ileal pouch-anal anastomoses were referred for evaluation with symptoms of high stool frequency and incontinence problems. Three had severe nocturnal incontinence, and the remaining two patients experienced minor nocturnal incontinence. Preoperative and postoperative evaluation included barium pouch studies, flexible sigmoidoscopy, anal manometry, evacuation volume, and pouch compliance. Pouch-to-anal pressure gradients were calculated. To improve reservoir capacity and compliance, all five patients underwent conversion to W-ileal pouch-anal anastomoses.

RESULTS

Twenty-four hour and nocturnal stool frequencies decreased from 13.8+/-1.7 and 3+/-1.3 to 5.8+/-0.3 and 0.3+/-0.2 postconversion (P < 0.05). Mean pouch evacuation volume increased from 83+/-27 to 290+/-29 ml postoperatively (P < 0.05). Pouch compliance increased from 2.7+/-0.5 mmHg/ml to 7.7+/-0.6 mmHg/ml postconversion (P < 0.05). Improvement in postconversion stool frequency correlated with an increase in pouch evacuation volume (r=-0.87). All patients reported improved day and nocturnal continence, despite no significant change between preoperative and postoperative anal manometric pressures. Improved continence correlated with a significant widening of the pouch-to-anal pressure gradients, which increased from 5 to 25 mmHg at 150 ml following pouch conversion.

CONCLUSIONS

Poorly functioning ileal reservoirs secondary to limited capacity and compliance can be successfully managed with conversion to W-ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. The increased pouch capacity is associated with improvement in compliance and widening of the pouch-to-anal pressure gradients, providing excellent functional results.

Endosonographic evidence of injury to the internal anal sphincter after low anterior resection: long-term follow-up

PURPOSE

Transanal stapled anastomosis has been associated with continence disturbances and reduced postoperative anal sphincter function. The aim of the present work was to study the effect of transanal stapling on anal sphincter morphology by endoanal ultrasound.

METHODS

Thirty-nine consecutive patients undergoing stapled low anterior resection for rectal carcinoma were assessed. Each patient was assessed by endoluminal ultrasound before surgery, immediately after surgery, and at 3, 6, 9, 12, and 24 months after surgery.

RESULTS

There were no preoperative internal anal sphincter defects observed. Three female patients were observed to have preoperative evidence of external anal sphincter defects. After low anterior resection, seven patients were found to have internal anal sphincter defects, which persisted after the two-year follow-up. There were no additional external anal sphincter injuries. Three patients with internal anal sphincter injuries required the use of pads for poor bowel function.

CONCLUSIONS

Up to 18 percent of patients who underwent stapled low anterior resection had long-term evidence of internal anal sphincter injury. The external sphincter does not appear to be affected by the procedure.

Pouch salvage. Long-term outcome

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to determine the outcome of pouch salvage operations and the factors that may influence successful reconstructions.

METHODS

This retrospective review includes data from 198 patients who had undergone restorative proctocolectomy at a single institution during an 11-year period. All patients who had undergone attempted pouch salvage and who still had a pouch in situ were reviewed by both postal questionnaire and at interview in the outpatients clinic.

RESULTS

Of 198 patients who underwent restorative proctocolectomy and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis, 27 (13.6 percent) presented with pouch-specific complications requiring pouch salvage. A further five patients requiring pouch salvage were referred from other centers. Of 32 patients who underwent attempted pouch salvage, 16 (50 percent) had a successful outcome, 12 (37.5 percent) had pouch excision, and 3 (9 percent) are still defunctioned. There was one death (3 percent) in this series. Pelvic sepsis was a major cause of pouch failure, being present in 50 percent (8/16) of failed salvage procedures, and accounting for 58 percent (7/12) of pouch excisions.

CONCLUSIONS

Salvage surgery for major complications following ileoanal pouch construction is worthwhile in the absence of major pelvic sepsis. Overall success rate is 50 percent, and these results may be acceptable to highly motivated patients.

Restorative proctocolectomy for idiopathic megarectum: postoperative recovery of hypotonic anal sphincters. Report of two cases

PURPOSE

Restorative proctocolectomy has been advocated in the treatment of idiopathic megacolon, provided there is normal sphincter function. We report two patients undergoing this procedure, despite abnormal sphincter function.

METHODS

Anorectal manometry and detailed symptom review were performed both preoperatively and at various stages postoperatively in two young patients with idiopathic megarectum.

RESULTS

Both patients had progressive sphincter recovery postoperatively, shown both manometrically and with symptomatic review.

CONCLUSION

Low preoperative sphincter pressures in young patients with idiopathic megarectum may not preclude successful outcome after restorative proctocolectomy.

Anal transitional zone and columnar cuff in restorative proctocolectomy

The popularity of double stapling the ileal pouch-anal anastomosis probably owes more to the technical ease it brings than to histological considerations or functional results. It is preservation of a 'columnar cuff' of mucosa, rather than the restricted site of the anal transitional zone, that should be the focus of research with respect to long-term risk of malignancy and inflammatory complications. If cancer is present in colon that has been removed for ulcerative colitis, there is a 25 per cent incidence of dysplasia in the columnar cuff in the short term. In other circumstances, those who are spared from carcinoma by colectomy are likely to have a similar risk of developing dysplastic change in the columnar cuff with longer follow-up. Double stapling the pouch-anal anastomosis and preserving the anal canal mucosa improves function, but long-term surveillance of the columnar cuff is then required, including biopsies.

Level of highest mean resting pressure segment in the anal canal. A quantitative assessment of anal sphincter function

PURPOSE

Even with the development of new technologies, the mechanism of fecal continence is still not completely understood. This study evaluates the relative position of the highest mean resting pressure (HMRP) in the anal canal and its correlation with function in incontinent patients and in controls.

METHODS

Sixteen incontinent patients (mean age, 47.1 +/- 13.9 (range, 18-63) years; 12 female) and 16 controls (mean age, 35.4 +/- 8.7 (range, 24-58) years; 12 female) were studied using a water-perfused eight-port radial catheter computer-assisted vectromanometry. Position of the HMRP was analyzed in relation to the anal verge (D1) and to the proximal functional border of the anal canal (D2).

RESULTS

Controls had HMRP located more distally in the anal canal, because D2 was significantly higher than D1 (mean, 3.45 +/- 0.75 vs. 1.81 +/- 0.63 cm; p + 0.001). For incontinent patients, D1 and D2 were similar (mean, 1.86 +/- 0.75 vs. 2.08 +/- 1.11 cm; not significant). Comparison of the relative position of the HMRP between patients and controls showed a more proximal location for incontinent patients than controls (mean, 49.1 +/- 12.1 percent vs. 35.4 +/- 10.2 percent; p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Position of the HMRP is significantly more proximal for incontinent patients than for controls, and measurement of the distance from the anal verge to the HMRP in relation to the full length of the anal canal may represent another way to quantitatively assess anal sphincter function.

Results from pouch salvage

Over an 11-year period, 17 salvage procedures were performed on a failed ileal pouch-anal anastomosis carried out for ulcerative colitis from a series of 157 patients. Ten pouches were saved, four excised and three defunctioned. Salvage procedures included five operations for fistulas (three of five successful), six reoperations on the ileoanal anastomosis (five of six successful), three new pouches after previous pouch excision (all failed), and three miscellaneous: excision of an efferent limb (successful), pouchpexy for a pouch prolapse (successful) and postanal repair for incontinence (failed). Pouch salvage may be successful in the motivated patient who wishes to avoid a permanent ileostomy.

Physiology of ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. Current concepts

PURPOSE

Increasing experience with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) associated with increasing knowledge about anorectal physiology has lead to a large number of publications. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the current understanding of fecal continence as revealed by the evolution of the ileoanal procedure.

METHODS

Review of the literature covering the most important physiologic parameters involved in fecal continence was undertaken.

RESULTS

Rectoanal inhibitory reflex is probably absent after IPAA but is preserved when distal anorectal mucosa is spared. Anal resting pressure decreases but is less affected when the internal anal sphincter is less traumatized. Squeeze pressure is not importantly affected, and the importance of reservoir function as a determinant of stool frequency is emphasized. IPAA does not affect the coordination between pouch and anal canal motility in the majority of cases. Normal continence is preserved, even during the night, by preserving a gradient of pressure between the pouch and anal canal.

CONCLUSIONS

Physiologic concepts are well established, but controversies about the continence mechanism related to IPAA remain. The IPAA procedure has allowed discrimination of details about the function of multiple structures involved in fecal continence.