Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis 20 years later: is it still a good surgical option for patients with ulcerative colitis?

Dynamic ileal pouch emptying studies

Although much radiologic literature has focused on the short-term post-operative complications associated with ileal pouches, as the number of patients with long-term pouches has grown, there is increasing realization of the functional deficits that may occur long after pouch creation. Dynamic pouch imaging using fluoroscopy and MRI can provide assessment of the underlying causes of symptomatic pouch dysfunction and can provide critical insight to the management of this complex patient population. In this paper, we provide an overview of the unique problems encountered in patients with long-term ileal pouches, and provide an overview of the techniques, interpretation, and reporting for fluoroscopic and MR pouch defecography.

Colectomy reconstruction for ulcerative colitis in Sweden and England: a multicenter prospective comparison between ileorectal anastomosis and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis after colectomy in patients with ulcerative colitis. (CRUISE-study)

BACKGROUND

There are no prospective trials comparing the two main reconstructive options after colectomy for Ulcerative colitis, ileal pouch anal anastomosis and ileorectal anastomosis. An attempt on a randomized controlled trial has been made but after receiving standardized information patients insisted on choosing operation themselves.

METHODS

Adult Ulcerative colitis patients subjected to colectomy eligible for both ileal pouch anastomosis and ileorectal anastomosis are asked to participate and after receiving standardized information the get to choose reconstructive method. Patients declining reconstruction or not considered eligible for both methods will be followed as controls. The CRUISE study is a prospective, non-randomized, multi-center, open-label, controlled trial on satisfaction, QoL, function, and complications between ileal pouch anal anastomosis and ileorectal anastomosis.

DISCUSSION

Reconstruction after colectomy is a morbidity-associated as well as a resource-intensive activity with the sole purpose of enhancing function, QoL and patient satisfaction. The aim of this study is to provide the best possible information on the risks and benefits of each reconstructive treatment.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05628701.

Quality of Life in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBDs) Patients after Surgery

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBDs) are chronic, relapsing and disabling diseases that affect the gastrointestinal tract. This relapsing course is often unpredictable with severe flares and the need for intensive medical treatment, hospitalization, or emergent/urgent surgery, all of which significantly impact patients' quality of life (QoL). QoL in IBD patients is significantly lower than in the general population, and depression and anxiety have been shown to have a higher prevalence than in healthy individuals, especially during disease flares. Complications requiring hospitalization and repeated surgeries are not uncommon during the disease course and significantly affect QoL in IBD patients. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) can be used to measure the impact of chronic disease on QoL from the patient's perspective. The use of PROMs in IBD patients undergoing surgery could help to investigate the impact of the surgical procedure on QoL and determine whether there is any improvement or worsening. This review summarizes the use of PROMs to assess QoL after various surgical procedures required for IBD treatment.

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.

Prevalence of 'pouch failure' of the ileoanal pouch in ulcerative colitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The ileoanal pouch (IPAA) provides patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) that have not responded to medical therapy an option to retain bowel continuity and defecate without the need for a long-term stoma. Despite good functional outcomes, some pouches fail, requiring permanent diversion, pouchectomy, or a redo pouch. The incidence of pouch failure ranges between 2 and 15% in the literature. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis aiming to define the prevalence of pouch failure in patients with UC who have undergone IPAA using population-based studies.

METHODS

We searched Embase, Embase classic and PubMed from 1978 to 31st of May 2021 to identify cross-sectional studies that reported the prevalence of pouch failure in adults (≥ 18 years of age) who underwent IPAA for UC.

RESULTS

Twenty-six studies comprising 23,389 patients were analysed. With < 5 years of follow-up, the prevalence of pouch failure was 5% (95%CI 3-10%). With ≥ 5 but < 10 years of follow-up, the prevalence was 5% (95%CI 4-7%). This increased to 9% (95%CI 7-16%) with ≥ 10 years of follow-up. The overall prevalence of pouch failure was 6% (95%CI 5-8%).

CONCLUSIONS

The overall prevalence of pouch failure in patients over the age of 18 who have undergone restorative proctocolectomy in UC is 6%. These data are important for counselling patients considering this operation. Importantly, for those patients with UC being considered for a pouch, their disease course has often resulted in both physical and psychological morbidity and hence providing accurate expectations for these patients is vital.

Ileal Pouch-anal Anastomosis Complications and Pouch Failure: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective

This systematic review aims to assess the incidence of pouch failure and the correlation between ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA)-related complications and pouch failure.

Background

Previous studies demonstrated wide variation in postoperative complication rates following IPAA.

Methods

A systematic review was performed by searching the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases for studies reporting on pouch failure published from January 1, 2010, to May 6, 2020. A meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model, and the relationship between pouch-related complications and pouch failure was assessed using Spearman's correlations.

Results

Thirty studies comprising 22,978 patients were included. Included studies contained heterogenic patient populations, different procedural stages, varying definitions for IPAA-related complications, and different follow-up periods. The pooled pouch failure rate was 7.7% (95% confidence intervals: 5.56-10.59) and 10.3% (95% confidence intervals: 7.24-14.30) for studies with a median follow-up of ≥5 and ≥10 years, respectively. Observed IPAA-related complications were anastomotic leakage (1-17%), pelvic sepsis (2-18%), fistula (1-30%), stricture (1-34%), pouchitis (11-61%), and Crohn's disease of the pouch (0-18%). Pelvic sepsis (r = 0.51, P < 0.05) and fistula (r = 0.63, P < 0.01) were correlated with pouch failure. A sensitivity analysis including studies with a median follow-up of ≥5 years indicated that only fistula was significantly correlated with pouch failure (r = 0.77, P < 0.01).

Conclusions

The single long-term determinant of pouch failure was pouch fistula, which is a manifestation of a chronic leak. Therefore, all effort should be taken to prevent an acute leak from becoming a chronic leak by early diagnosis and proactive management of the leak.

Mini abstract

This systematic review aims to assess the incidence of pouch failure and the correlation between IPAA-related complications and pouch failure. Long-term pouch failure was correlated with fistula, suggesting that early septic complications may result in fistula formation during long-term follow-up, leading to an increased risk of pouch failure.

Surgical results and quality of life of patients submitted to restorative proctocolectomy and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis

PURPOSE

restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) is the surgical procedure of choice in some cases of familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and ulcerative colitis (UC). IPAA allows complete removal of the diseased colon and rectum, however, it is associated with substantial morbidity and potential consequences to patients' quality of life (QoL).

AIMS

to evaluate the surgical results, functional outcomes and QoL after IPAA; and to examine the impact of surgical complications upon QoL.

METHODS

we reviewed the records of 55 patients after IPAA, with emphasis on surgical outcomes. Forty patients answered the questionnaires. The Cleveland Global Quality of Life (CGQL), Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (IBDQ), and Short Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire (SF36).

RESULTS

the average age was 42.1±14.1 years. 63.6% of the patients were male, and 69.1% had FAP. Operative mortality was 1.8% and overall morbidity was 76.4%. Anastomotic leakage was the most frequent early complication (34.5%). Pouchitis (10.8%) and small bowel obstruction (9.1%) were the most common late complications. Patients with UC had the most severe complications (p=0.014). Pelvic complications did not have a negative effect on functional outcomes or QoL scores. Female patients had decreased pouch evacuation frequency, fewer nocturnal bowel movements, decreased bowel symptom impact on QoL (p=0.012), and better CGQL (p=0.04). Patients with better education had better QoL scores, and patients who had their pouches for more than five years scored lower.

CONCLUSION

the high morbidity has no impact on function or QoL. Bowel function is generally acceptable. QoL is good and affected by sex, education and time interval since IPAA.

Crohn's Disease after Proctocolectomy and IPAA for Ulcerative Colitis

BACKGROUND

Proctocolectomy with IPAA is considered curative for ulcerative colitis. However, signs of Crohn's disease can develop postoperatively in some cases.

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to document the postoperative diagnosis of Crohn's disease, to identify potential preoperative predictive factors, and to review the evolution of patients on treatment.

DESIGN

This is a retrospective cohort study.

SETTINGS

This study was conducted at a tertiary care center in Montreal, Canada.

PATIENTS

A total of 301 patients underwent an IPAA for ulcerative colitis between 1985 and 2014.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was the cumulative incidence of the postoperative diagnosis of Crohn's disease.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up of 68 months, Crohn's disease was diagnosed at a median time of 77 months (8-270) in 38 patients (12.6%). The cumulative incidence of Crohn's disease was 7.5% at 5 years postoperatively and gradually increased to 17.7% and 33.0% at 10 and 20 years. The following predictive factors for Crohn's disease were observed on univariate analysis: current tobacco smoking at surgery (HR 3.56 (95% CI, 1.54-8.22)), suspicion of indeterminate colitis (HR 3.50 (95% CI, 1.69-7.24)), presence of mouth ulcers before surgery (HR 2.16 (95% CI, 1.03-4.53)), and age at diagnosis of ulcerative colitis (HR 0.94 (95% CI, 0.90-0.97)). Suspicion of indeterminate colitis (HR 3.18 (95% CI 1.46-6.93); p = 0.004) and age at diagnosis (HR 0.95 (95% CI, 0.91-0.99); p = 0.018) remained statistically significant on multivariate analysis. Postoperative inflammatory disease was controlled by medical therapy in most patients. Removal of the pouch was necessary in 16% of patients with Crohn's disease.

LIMITATIONS

This was a retrospective single-center study.

CONCLUSIONS

Diagnosis of Crohn's disease can occur at a distance from surgery with an increasing cumulative incidence over time. Preoperative predictive factors are few and should not determine candidacy for surgery. Therapeutic options are identical to those available for treatment of typical Crohn's disease and allow a favorable evolution in most patients. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B372.

BROTE DE CROHN DESPUS DE UNA PROCTOCOLECTOMA CON ANASTOMOSIS DE RESERVORIO LEOANAL EN CASOS DE COLITIS ULCEROSA

ANTECEDENTES:La proctocolectomía con reservorio ileo-anal se considera curativa para la colitis ulcerosa. Sin embargo, signos de enfermedad de Crohn pueden desarrollarse después de la operación en algunos casos.OBJETIVO:Nuestro objetivo fue documentar el diagnóstico postoperatorio de la enfermedad de Crohn, identificar posibles factores predictivos preoperatorios y revisar la evolución de los pacientes con tratamiento.DISEÑO:Estudio retrospectivo de cohortes.AJUSTES:Centro de atención terciaria en Montreal, Canadá.PACIENTES:301 pacientes portadores de un reservorio íleo-anal realizados por colitis ulcerosa entre 1985 y 2014.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:Acumulación de la incidencia en el diagnóstico postoperatorio de enfermedad de Crohn.RESULTADOS:Durante una media de 68 meses de seguimiento, la enfermedad de Crohn fué diagnosticada en un tiempo medio de 77 meses (8-270) en 38 pacientes (12,6%). La acumulación de incidencia de la enfermedad de Crohn fue del 7,5% a los 5 años después de la operación y aumentó gradualmente a 17,7 y 33,0% a los 10 y 20 años. Los siguientes factores predictivos para la enfermedad de Crohn se observaron en el análisis univariado: tabaquismo activo al momento de la cirugía (cociente de riesgo (HR) 3.56 (intervalo de confianza del 95% (IC) 1.54-8.22)), sospecha de colitis indeterminada (HR 3.50 (IC del 95% 1.69-7.24)), presencia de úlceras en la boca antes de la cirugía (HR 2.16 (IC 95% 1.03-4.53)) y edad al diagnóstico de colitis ulcerosa (HR 0.94 (IC 95% 0.90-0.97)). La sospecha de colitis indeterminada (HR 3.18 (IC 95% 1.46-6.93), p = 0.004) y la edad al momento del diagnóstico (HR 0.95 (IC 95% 0.91-0.99), p = 0.018) permanecieron estadísticamente significativos en el análisis multivariado. La reacción inflamatoria intestinal postoperatoria fue controlada con tratamiento médico en la mayoría de los pacientes. El retiro del reservorio íleo-anal fue necesario en 16% de los pacientes con enfermedad de Crohn.LIMITACIONES:Estudio retrospectivo de centro único.CONCLUSIONES:El diagnóstico de la enfermedad de Crohn puede ocurrir a distancia de la cirugía con la acumulación de incidencia creciente con el tiempo. Los factores predictivos preo-peratorios son pocos y no pueden determinar la candidatura para la cirugía. Las opciones terapéuticas son idénticas a las disponibles para el tratamiento de la enfermedad de Crohn típica y permiten una evolución favorable en la mayoría de los pacientes. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B372. (Traducción-Dr. Xavier Delgadillo).

Transanal proctocolectomy and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (TaIPAA) for ulcerative colitis: medium term functional outcomes in a single centre

Background

Transanal dissection of the rectum has been recently introduced for ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) in UC showing promising results. Thanks to the precise identification of the rectotomy site the risk of long rectal stump is avoided, and a single stapled anastomosis is performed easily. The aim of this study is to analyze our initial experience of transanal proctocolectomy and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (TaIPAA), considering postoperative complications and medium-term functional outcomes.

Methods

Our Center has experienced the transanal approach for proctectomy and IPAA since August 2018. All patients underwent Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol. Postoperative complications occurring within 30 days after surgery were taken into consideration. Fecal continence, genito-urinary activity and global quality of life at 1 and 6 months after ileostomy reversal have been assessed.

Results

Until March 2019, 8 patients underwent transanal proctocolectomy and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (TaIPAA). In all cases the laparoscopic approach was performed during the transabdominal phase; abdominal drainage was never used. At the time of the pouch construction a defunctioning loop ileostomy was created in all patients. Stoma closure was performed in all cases at a median time of 6 months after surgery. Postoperative complications occurred in only one patient, who showed rectal bleeding, not required a re-invertation. There were no cases of anastomotic leakage. Medium-term functional outcomes were determined prospectively using previously validated quality of life questionnaires (Cleveland Global Quality of Life). Fecal incontinence for liquid or solid stool, genitourinary and sexual functions were also investigated, showing comparable results with the literature data.

Conclusions

In our experience, transanal proctocolectomy and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis provided good short and medium-term functional results in UC.

Adjunctive Pharmacotherapy Use in Patients With Ileal Pouch-Anal Anastomosis (IPAA)

Background

This study evaluated the prevalence of adjunctive pharmacotherapies use among ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) patients.

Methods

The IBD Partners database was queried to compare IPAA patients with and without pouch-related symptoms (PRS). Within the cohort of patients with PRS, patient reported outcomes were compared among opioid, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), and probiotic users.

Results

There were no differences in patient reported outcomes based on NSAID or probiotic usage. Opioid users reported increased bowel frequency, urgency, poor general well-being, abdominal pain, and depression (P < 0.05 for all variables).

Conclusions

In IPAA patients with PRS, opioid use, but not NSAIDs or probiotics, was associated with a higher burden of PRS.

[Comparative assesement of postoperative quality of life in patients with ulcerative colitis]

OBJECTIVE

To compare quality of life in patients undergoing proctocolectomy with ileal pouch procedure and ileostomy taking into account sexual function.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The comparative observational study included 138 patients with ulcerative colitis for the period 2013-2018. All patients underwent surgery with one- or two-stage formation of pelvic pouch (n=76) or ileostomy (n=62). Validated questionnaires SF-36, The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) were used in the study.

RESULTS

Patients with pelvic pouch were significantly younger than patients with terminal ileostomy (33.7±10.9 and 44.6±14.9 years, respectively, p<0.0001). The majority of the parameters of SF-36 questionnaire were similar in both groups. Pain syndrome intensity was the only sign demonstrating the advantage of ileostomy over pelvic pouch. However, regression analysis did not confirm the effect of surgical technique on pain severity. Orgasmic function was significantly better in men with pelvic pouch compared to ileostomy. Other indicators of sexual function were similar. According to FSFI questionnaire, women with pelvic pouch also showed significantly better results than patients with permanent ileostomy. However, multivariate regression analysis revealed no significant effect of surgical technique on sexual function in men and women. At the same time, significant negative correlation between IIEF and FSFI scores and age was revealed.

CONCLUSION

No significant influence of surgical technique on postoperative QOL was observed in patients with ulcerative colitis. Better sexual function in men and women with pelvic pouch are due to younger age rather type of surgery.

Timing of Surgery to Treat Ulcerative Colitis: An Investigation Focused on Japanese Adults

Introduction

There are no specific standards for the timing of surgery to treat ulcerative colitis, so reaching a decision on timing is often difficult.

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the timing of surgery from the patients' perspective.

Methods

From among 203 patients who underwent restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch anal anastomosis to treat ulcerative colitis at our hospital from 1985 to 2013, we mailed a questionnaire to 101 of those who are currently attending periodic follow-up at our hospital.

Results

We analyzed 72 valid responses (71.2%). Overall, 65 patients (90.3%) responded that they were happy that they underwent surgery, 38 patients (52.8%) responded that the timing of surgery was appropriate, and 32 patients (44.4%) responded that they would have preferred to have had surgery earlier. The group of patients who would have preferred to have had surgery earlier included 23 patients (71.9%) who had undergone emergency surgery; the incidence of emergency surgery was significantly higher than in the group of 13 patients (34.2%) who had responded that the timing of surgery was appropriate (p = 0.002). Scores on the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF36), which reflect postoperative quality of life, were maintained at the same level as the Japanese standard values in our Japanese patients.

Conclusion

The degree of satisfaction of patients who underwent surgery for ulcerative colitis was favorable, although it is important to consider surgery at an earlier stage in patients who may need emergency surgery.

The Incidence and Definition of Crohn's Disease of the Pouch: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

A subset of patients who undergo total proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) creation for ulcerative colitis (UC) will later develop Crohn's disease (CD) of the pouch, which has been associated with significant morbidity. We aimed to analyze the incidence of CD of the pouch and to review the existing diagnostic criteria utilized.

METHODS

A systematic search performed through March 1, 2018, identified 12 studies that reported the incidence of CD of the pouch after IPAA for UC or indeterminate colitis (IC). We compiled all diagnostic criteria utilized in these studies and then performed a meta-analysis using random effects modeling to estimate the overall incidence of CD of the pouch in this population.

RESULTS

Among 4843 patients with an IPAA for UC or IC, 10.3% of patients were ultimately diagnosed with CD of the pouch (95% confidence interval [CI], 6.1%-15.4%). The most commonly reported diagnostic criteria were (1) presence of fistula/fistulae, (2) stricture involving the pouch or prepouch ileum, and (3) presence of prepouch ileitis. In a secondary analysis, excluding those studies that included patients with a preoperative diagnosis of IC, the incidence of CD of the pouch was 12.4% (95% CI, 9.0%-16.1%).

CONCLUSIONS

The estimated incidence of 10.3% will assist gastroenterologists and surgeons in preoperative counseling regarding the potential to develop CD of the pouch. There is an unmet need for common diagnostic criteria for a more standardized approach to the diagnosis of CD of the pouch.

Anxiety, depression, and inflammation after restorative proctocolectomy

PURPOSE

Anxiety and depression (A&D) are more common in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and in IBD patients who undergo proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA). Our aim was to test the hypothesis that chronic inflammatory conditions in IPAA are associated with increased incidence of A&D.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study at a single tertiary care referral center using a consented IBD and colon cancer natural history registry. Demographic and clinical factors, including surgical and psychiatric history, were abstracted.

RESULTS

We compared A&D rate in three cohorts: (1) ulcerative proctocolitis with IPAA (UC) (n = 353), (2) Crohn's disease/indeterminate proctocolitis with IPAA (CDIC) (n = 49), and (3) familial adenomatous polyposis with IPAA (FAP) (n = 33). Forty-six CDIC patients (93.9%) demonstrated pouch-related inflammation, while 126 UC patients (35.7%) and 2 FAP patients (6.1%) developed pouchitis. CDIC had a higher rate of A&D co-diagnosis compared to UC and FAP (20.4 vs.12.7 vs.12.1% respectively; p < 0.05). UC patients with pouchitis also exhibited a higher rate of A&D than UC without pouchitis (19.8 vs.8.8%; p < 0.05). Multivariable analysis demonstrated that pre-operative corticosteroid use (OR = 4.46, CI = 1.34-14.87, p < 0.05), female gender (OR = 2.19, CI = 1.22-3.95, p < 0.01), tobacco use (OR = 2.92, CI = 1.57 = 5.41, p < 0.001), and pouch inflammation (OR = 2.37, CI = 1.28-4.39, p < 0.05) were each independently associated with A&D in these patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Anxiety and depression were more common in patients experiencing inflammatory conditions of the pouch. UC without pouchitis and FAP patients demonstrated lower rates of A&D (that were comparable to the general population), implying that having an IPAA alone was not enough to increase risk for A&D. Factors independently associated with A&D in IPAA included an inflamed pouch, corticosteroid use, smoking, and female gender.

Case Report and Literature Review Illustrating the Clinical, Endoscopic, Radiologic, and Histopathologic Findings with Prepouch Ileitis after IPAA and Restorative Proctocolectomy for Refractory Ulcerative Colitis

Prepouch ileitis (PI) is an uncommon complication of ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) and restorative proctocolectomy (RPC) for treatment of refractory ulcerative colitis (UC). A case is reported of PI in a 16-year-old girl who presented with severe UC that was initially stabilized with infliximab therapy but re-presented 1 year later with severe UC, refractory to infliximab and corticosteroid therapy, which required IPAA and RPC. Her symptoms resolved postoperatively, but she re-presented 1 year later with 10 loose, bloody, bowel movements/day and involuntary 6-Kg weight-loss. Computerized tomographic enterography showed focal narrowing and mucosal enhancement of the pouch and focal narrowing, abnormal mucosal enhancement, and mural thickening of the prepouch ileum. Pouchoscopy revealed exudates and ulcerations in both the pouch and prepouch ileum up to 50 cm proximal to pouch, as confirmed by histopathology of pouch and ileal biopsies. Capsule endoscopy revealed no small intestinal lesions beyond 50 cm from the pouch. She required antibiotics, hydrocortisone enemas, and eventually azathioprine to control her symptoms. She remains asymptomatic 4 years later while chronically administered azathioprine therapy. Comprehensive literature review demonstrates that this case illustrates the classical clinical, radiologic, endoscopic, and histopathologic findings in PI, a relatively rare syndrome.

Neoterminal Ileal Polyposis and Ulceration after Restorative Proctocolectomy with a Current Review of the Literature

After ileal pouch anal anastomosis, one of the frequently encountered complications is polyposis of the pouch. We describe a case of proximal neoterminal ileal polyposis associated with deep ulceration suggestive of Crohn's disease and review the available literature. A 36-year-old male presented with resistant pouchitis 11 years after surgery for ulcerative colitis. With all-negative initial workup, pouchoscopy showed multiple deep ulcers in the proximal ileum with some polyps. Biopsy of polyps showed inflammatory polyps with negative immunohistological staining for IgG pouchitis. With no treatable etiology for pouchitis and the presence of inflammatory polyps, there are no guidelines for surveillance of this condition. Definitive diagnosis is challenging and there is no consensus or recommended guidelines on the management.

Quality of life of ulcerative colitis patients treated surgically with proctocolectomy and J-pouch formation: a comparative study before surgery and after closure of the defunctioning ileostomy

Background

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a lifelong disease with a relapse-remission pattern that affects patients' social and psychological wellbeing. Restorative proctocolectomy and J-pouch formation is the gold-standard surgical procedure in cases where symptoms are refractory to currently available medical treatment. The aim of this study was to assess patients' quality of life (QoL) in order to evaluate the efficiency of surgery and patients' symptomatology.

Methods

We performed a prospective comparative study of the QoL of 47 patients with UC, treated surgically. As research tools, we used the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (IBDQ) and the Cleveland Global Quality of Life (CGQL) questionnaire. Parametric and non-parametric tests were used in order to correlate areas of QoL and other selected factors, such as marital status, sex, age, and education.

Results

The mean scores before and after closure of the ileostomy were 153.29 and 178 for the IBDQ (P=0.0025), and 17.4 and 23.42 for the CGQL (P<0.001), suggesting an overall improvement in QoL. The research showed that there was no specific QoL factor, such as intestinal, systemic, emotional or social life symptoms, that improved significantly more than the others (P=0.99). The IBDQ showed that patients aged less than 20 years (P<0.001), female patients (P=0.03) and patients with secondary education (P<0.001) reported the greatest improvement.

Conclusions

The QoL in UC patients treated surgically improved following closure of the de-functioning ileostomy. QoL studies are encouraged to optimize and maintain high standards of surgical care, and they could potentially be used for assessment of therapeutic efficacy.

The functional outcome and factors influencing the quality of life after ileal pouch anal anastomosis in patients with ulcerative colitis

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to assess the bowel function and quality of life (QOL) in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) after total proctocolectomy with ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA).

METHODS

Two questionnaires ["Questionnaire sheet on the bowel function" and "Inflammatory bowel disease questionnaire (Japanese IBDQ)"] were sent to 121 patients with UC who underwent IPAA at Tohoku University Hospital. Seventy-nine patients (65%) participated in the study.

RESULTS

The median number of daily bowel movements was 6.5, which significantly decreased with postoperative time (≤ 1, 1-5, 5-15 years) and increased with age (< 45, ≥ 45 years at colectomy). The ratio of patients who usually had bowel movements at night also significantly decreased with postoperative time and increased with age. The median total IBDQ score was 180. A multivariate analysis showed that "trip activity", "care about where the restroom is", and "bowel movements in the day" were significant independent risk factors for the daily life satisfaction score.

CONCLUSIONS

The bowel function and QOL were acceptable in patients with UC after IPAA; however, patients with a short postoperative time or older age had a lower functional outcome than others.

Surgical options in the treatment of ulcerative colitis

Children and young adults with ulcerative colitis tend to present with more extensive colonic disease than an adult population. The need for surgical intervention in the pediatric population with ulcerative colitis occurs earlier after diagnosis and has a greater incidence than a comparably matched adult population with an estimated need for colectomy at 5 years following diagnosis of 14-20%. Perhaps, even more than the adult population, there is a desire to restore intestinal continuity for the pediatric patient to achieve as healthy and normal quality of life as possible. With surgery playing such a prominent role in the treatment of ulcerative colitis in this age group, an understanding of the surgical treatment options that are available is important. The surgeon's awareness of the complexities of the different operations associated with proctocolectomy and reestablishing intestinal continuity may help to avoid early complications and minimize the risk of less than ideal long-term outcomes.

[How does the ileoanal pouch keep its promises? : Functioning of the ileoanal pouch after restorative proctocolectomy]

Restorative proctocolectomy with an ileoanal pouch anastomosis (IAPA) is the surgical therapy of choice for patients with refractory ulcerative colitis and/or associated (pre)neoplastic lesions. It is predominantly performed laparoscopically. Reconstruction with a J‑pouch is the most frequently applied variant due to the ideal combination of technical simplicity and good long-term results. In the present review, potential postoperative pouch complications, their risk factors, diagnostics and surgical management, as well as mid-term and long-term quality of life after pouch construction are differentially presented based on the current literature.

[Restorative proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis : Long-term functional results and quality of life]

Restorative proctocolectomy with ileo-pouch-anal anastomosis is the standard procedure for ulcerative colitis. It provides complete removal of the diseased colorectum, avoids permanent ileostomy and allows the preservation of continence. Functional results and quality of life after restorative proctocolectomy are of great importance. Patients usually have 5-6 bowel movements per day, and continence is satisfactory in more than 90% of patients. A good pouch function strongly correlates with high quality of life. Postoperative septic complications are the main risk factor for bad pouch function and pouch failure; therefore nowadays most procedures are performed with a covering ileostomy. Quality of life is usually impaired by active ulcerative colitis, and restorative proctocolectomy improves the quality of life up to the level of a healthy reference population. Taken together, restorative proctocolectomy provides excellent results concerning function and quality of life.