Pouch reconstruction in the pelvis

Ileoanal pouch dysfunction and the use of a Medena catheter following hospital discharge

With the advent of new surgical techniques to manage colorectal disease, the number of ileoanal pouch operations has amplified and therefore increased numbers of pouch patients are being discharged into the community setting. Community nurses will now encounter the ileoanal pouch patient and may be required to manage related complications. Restorative proctocolectomy with ileoanal pouch anastomosis (RPC) has become established as the gold standard operation for patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and selected patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Using a reservoir constructed from small bowel as a substitute rectum is a medical triumph which in the majority of cases improves the quality of life for patients, not only by eradicating disease and preserving anal sphincter function but also by avoiding a permanent ileostomy. Recent investigation into the use of Medena catheterization for pouch dysfunction has found that it is tolerated in the long-term and is associated with satisfactory quality of life in pouch patients with outflow obstruction.

Ileal J-pouch vaginoplasty: reconstruction of a physiologic vagina with an ileal J-pouch

Vaginal reconstruction has been performed for more than a century. Main complications are vaginal stenosis requiring dilatation, dyspareunia, excessive mucus secretion, and poor aesthetic and functional outcome. Here we report a new operation method modified after Baldwin for intestinal vaginoplasty in a patient with pelvic exenteration after spinal cell carcinoma of the vagina. Because of balanced liquid resorption and mucus secretion with sufficient vessel length in the terminal ileum, this intestinal segment was chosen. A J-pouch of distal ileum was constructed pedicled on the ileocolic artery and accompanying nervous plexus, transferred into the lower pelvis and sutured to the vaginal stump. One year follow-up showed a highly satisfied, sexually active patient, with adequate vaginal size, optimal lubrication and no molesting fecal odor. Terminal ileum J-pouch vaginoplasty is an optimal method for vaginal reconstruction providing a sufficient vaginal lumen and lubrication and thereby restoring patients' sexual life and increasing life quality.

Early results from a randomized clinical trial of colon J pouch versus transverse coloplasty pouch after low anterior resection for rectal cancer

Background

Patients with primary rectal cancer undergoing low anterior resection are often reconstructed using a pouch procedure. The aim of this trial was to compare colon J pouch (CJP) with transverse coloplasty pouch (TCP) reconstruction with regard to functional results, perioperative mortality and morbidity. As there is considerable uncertainty over the true anastomotic leak rate in patients with a TCP, the study analysed short-term outcome data.

Methods

Elective patients suitable for either procedure after sphincter-saving low anterior resection were eligible. Randomization took place during surgery. The primary endpoint was the rate of late evacuation problems after 2 years; secondary endpoints were anastomotic leak rate, perioperative morbidity and mortality.

Results

Between 21 October 2002 and 5 December 2005, 149 patients were randomized. All 76 patients randomized to TCP had the procedure compared with 68 of the 73 patients (93 per cent) randomized to CJP. Both groups were comparable with regard to demographic and clinical characteristics. Surgical complications (CJP: 19 per cent; TCP: 18 per cent) and the overall anastomotic leak rate (8 per cent) were equally distributed in both groups.

Conclusion

This trial demonstrated a comparable early outcome for TCP and CJP. This contradicts previous reports suggesting a higher leak rate after TCP. Registration number: ISRCTN78983587 (http://www.controlled-trials.com).

Prophylaktische Chirurgie der familiären adenomatösen Polyposis coli

Familial adenomatous polyposis coli (FAP) may not be considered a single disease entity with standardized guidelines for operative treatment. However, prophylactic colectomy after the manifestation of polyps but prior to the development of colorectal cancer is essential. The optimal timing of prophylactic surgery remains a clinical decision taken independently of mutation analysis. In case of the classic FAP phenotype, restorative proctocolectomy and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis is the procedure of choice. The development of reliable guidelines for attenuated FAP variants requires further evidence from clinical studies on surgical strategy and the advantages of prophylactic surgery over regular endoscopic screening with removal of polyps.

Recurrence after segmental resection for colonic Crohn's disease

Background

Segmental colonic resection is commonly performed in patients with colorectal Crohn's disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome after segmental colonic resection and to define risk factors for re-resection.

Methods

Consecutive patients who had an initial segmental colonic resection for Crohn's colitis between 1987 and 2000 were evaluated. Patients who underwent ileocolonic resection were excluded. Patient-, disease- and treatment-related variables were assessed as possible risk factors for disease recurrence.

Results

Ninety-one patients (62 women) with a median follow-up of 8·3 years were studied. Thirty patients (33 per cent) had at least one re-resection, of whom 20 finally underwent total (procto)colectomy. Female sex and a history of perianal disease were identified as independent risk factors for re-resection: odds ratio 12·52 (95 per cent confidence interval (c.i.) 2·38 to 65·84) and 13·94 (95 per cent c.i. 3·02 to 64·27) respectively. Forty (44 per cent) of the 91 patients had a stoma at the end of the study period. Of the 30 patients who had re-resection, 24 finally had a stoma.

Conclusion

Segmental resection for Crohn's colitis is justified. Recurrence is more frequent in women and in those with a history of perianal disease.

The transverse coloplasty pouch

BACKGROUND

The introduction of the total mesorectal excision (TME) and the use of modern staplers have improved outcome and increased the rate of sphincter-preserving low anterior resections in rectal cancer. Consequently, the interest in functional results after rectal reservoir reconstruction increased significantly.

METHODS

A review of the current literature was conducted on the development of colon pouch procedures with a particular focus on the transverse coloplasty pouch compared with the colon J-pouch and other current techniques of reconstruction after TME such as the side-to-end anastomosis.

RESULTS

The colon J-pouch (CJP) became the "gold standard" for rectal reservoir reconstruction owing to better early functional results compared with the straight coloanal anastomosis (CAA). However, 30% of the patients with CJP faced late evacuation problems requiring the chronic use of enemas or laxatives. This rate could be decreased by shortening the limb of the CJP from 8-10 to 5-6 cm, but the late evacuation problems remained in approximately 10% of the patients. An overview of the current knowledge on technical and functional aspects as well as indications and results of the transverse coloplasty pouch (TCP) is presented.

CONCLUSION

The TCP was developed to provide early functional results comparable to the CJP while avoiding the late evacuation problems. Functional results after TCP, small colon J-pouch and side-to-end anastomosis are similar. Evacuation problems after TCP have not been reported.

Total mesorectal excision: the Heidelberg results after TME

The introduction of the total mesorectal excision (TME) has changed the treatment of rectal cancer dramatically by reducing the local recurrence rate. We report the results of 208 patients undergoing a low anterior resection (LAR, n = 180) or abdominoperineal resection (APR, n = 28) with TME between 1 October 2001 and 30 September 2003. No adjuvant therapy was administered to any patient; however, 108 patients received neoadjuvant radiotherapy or radiochemotherapy. Since February 2002, 51 patients underwent a short-course radiotherapy with 5x5 Gy prior to surgery in cases of a T3 tumor or positive lymph node in the preoperative CT-scan or endoanal ultrasound. Patients with a T4 tumor or T3 tumor close to the sphincter received radiochemotherapy. We discuss the results for mortality, morbidity, functional outcome, and overall survival between the LAR and APR groups. The mortality rate was 3% in the LAR and 0% in the APR group, whereas the morbidity was higher in the APR group. Anastomotic leakages occurred in eight patients (7%), and reoperations had to be performed in 14 LAR and four APR patients. After a median follow-up of 11 months, the overall survival was 93% for LAR and 89% for APR. To assess the functional outcome after TME, questionnaires were sent to all patients undergoing LAR and APR. In conclusion, the TME has become the gold standard for rectal cancer surgery. Neoadjuvant treatment modalities such as preoperative short term radiotherapy (5x5 Gy) or combined radiochemotherapy will most likely replace the adjuvant combined radiochemotherapy.

Functional results of the colon J-pouch versus transverse coloplasty pouch in Heidelberg

Within the last 20 years various achievements have been made in the treatment of rectal cancer, improving survival and quality of life of rectal cancer patients. Especially the introduction of the total mesorectal excision (TME) and the use of modern staplers, making anastomoses possible in the deep pelvis, have increased our ability to cure more and more low rectal cancers by sphincter-preserving low anterior resections. Consequently, the interest in functional results after rectal reservoir reconstruction has increased significantly. Various randomized controlled trials have shown that the colon J-pouch (CJP) as a rectal reservoir reconstruction leads to better early functional results compared to the straight coloanal anastomosis (CAA). However, 30% of the patients with CJP faced late evacuation problems, requiring the chronic use of enemas or laxatives. This rate could be decreased to 10% by shortening the limb of the CJP from 8-10 cm to 5-6 cm. The transverse coloplasty pouch (TCP) was developed to provide early functional results comparable to the CJP, while avoiding these late evacuation problems. We report the early postoperative and functional results of 106 patients undergoing low anterior resections with TCP due to rectal cancer between October 2001 and the end of September 2003. Furthermore, we report on a single-center randomized controlled trial to compare the new TCP technique with the gold standard technique of CJP, which we started in October 2002. The objectives were to compare the two pouch reconstruction techniques in terms of morbidity, mortality and functional results.

Digital rectal examination compares favourably with conventional water-soluble contrast enema in the assessment of anastomotic healing after low rectal excision: a cohort study

BACKGROUND

Assessment of healing after low colorectal, colo-anal or ileo-pouch anal anastomosis is routinely performed with a water-soluble contrast enema (WSCE) prior to the reversal of the defunctioning stoma. Interpretation of these radiographs is sometimes difficult and imprecise. As these anastomoses are within the reach of a simple digital rectal examination (DRE), this approach is proposed as an effective and accurate adjunct.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This is a prospective cohort study recruiting patients who had undergone a low colorectal, colo-anal or ileo-pouch anal anastomosis with a diversion stoma. Anastomotic healing was assessed with a DRE in the clinic followed by the conventional WSCE. Anastomotic defects on digital examination and leaks on WSCEs were studied.

RESULTS

There were 195 patients recruited with a total of 202 paired assessments from 182 patients over 45 months. Six months after closure of the study, 174 patients had their stomas reversed. Thirteen examinations with WSCE showed pathology but were normal on digital examination (false positive rate of 6.4% for WSCE). These patients had their stomas reversed with no subsequent problems. Seven patients had an abnormal DRE but had a normal enema study (false negative rate of 3.5% for WSCE). These were large defects with pus and allowed the tip of the examining finger through. Delayed reversal of the stomas in these patients probably avoided continuing pelvic sepsis. The DRE was accurate in all instances except in the detection of a minor fistula in three patients. The sensitivity of the DRE in the detection of anastomotic pathology was 98.4%.

CONCLUSION

The DRE yields additional and reliable information compared with the conventional water-soluble enema study in the assessment of anastomotic healing prior to stoma closure. In the experienced surgeon, it yielded more useful clinical information than the enema study.

Transverser Koloplastik-Pouch nach tiefer anteriorer Resektion

INTRODUCTION

A colon J pouch (CJP) still represents the standard rectal reservoir after low anterior resection. Though the CJP shows favourable early functional results, pouch evacuation problems tend to occur in the long term. The transverse coloplasty pouch (TCP), developed by our group allows comparable early functional results while avoiding evacuation problems. We report our experience with the TCP at the University Hospital of Heidelberg, Germany, and examine the risk of anastomotic leaks with this technique.

METHODS

Between 1 October 2001 and 31 May 2003, 201 patients with rectal tumours underwent resection. Eighty-two patients with formation of TCP were enrolled in the study.

RESULTS

During the creation of the TCP, no technical problems occurred, and the overall morbidity was 28%, including anastomotic leaks in seven patients (8.5%) and bleeding in two. The reoperation rate was 8.5%. An association between postoperative morbidity and preoperative radiation therapy could not be established. The hospital mortality rate was 3.6%.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of TCP is a safe procedure which has gained worldwide acceptance in a short time, representing a technically straightforward procedure. Independently of patient size, habitus, and bulkiness of the colon, a TCP can always be performed after low rectal resection.

[Surgical therapy of rectal carcinoma]

Total mesorectal excision (TME) has gained a revolutionary impact on the surgical therapy of rectal cancer within the last 2 decades, providing superior local tumor control in comparison to conventional resection. Consequently, 85% of rectal carcinomas can be resected by sphincter-preserving surgery without compromising either oncologic radicality or continence. With the introduction of TME, local recurrence rates have been reliably decreased below 10% after curative resection. Surgical dissection along the connective tissue space between rectal and parietal pelvic fascia with complete mesorectal excision results in reliable excision of all relevant lymphatic pathways with preservation of continence and sexual function. Complete removal of a TME specimen is mandatory in carcinomas of the middle and lower third of the rectum. Both removal of the complete TME specimen and careful pathologic examination of the circumferential resection margin have decisive significance. An additional pelvic lymphadenectomy with the potential risk of increased morbidity does not improve prognosis. As a spread of tumor distally along the bowel wall rarely exceeds a few centimeters, a distal resection margin of 1-2 cm is oncologically sufficient in sphincter-saving procedures without compromising prognosis. Taken together, the convincing results of TME provide a rationale for using TME as the dissection policy of choice to resect rectal cancers in the distal two-thirds of the rectum, despite the absence of direct evidence from prospective randomized trials. The question whether laparoscopic curative resection for rectal cancer is oncologically adequate cannot be definitely answered to date, as results of randomized studies are currently missing. However, the preliminary results of laparoscopic resection for rectal cancer provided by centers are promising.