Mesenteric lengthening during pouch surgery: technique and outcomes in a tertiary centre

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.

Fluorescence-guided colorectal surgery: applications, clinical results, and protocols

In recent years, the rise of minimally invasive surgery has driven the development of surgical devices. Indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging is receiving increased attention in colorectal surgery for improved intraoperative visualization and decision-making. ICG, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1959, rapidly binds to plasma proteins and is primarily intravascular. ICG absorption of near-infrared light (750-800 nm) and emission as fluorescence (830 nm) when bound to tissue proteins enhances deep tissue visualization. Applications include assessing anastomotic perfusion, identifying sentinel lymph nodes, and detecting colorectal cancer metastasis. However, standardized protocols and research on clinical outcomes remain limited. This study explores ICG's role, advantages, disadvantages, and potential clinical impact in colorectal surgery.

A prospective analysis of the postoperative and long-term functional outcomes of a novel technique to perform rectal transection during laparoscopic restorative proctectomy and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) technique is not standardized. An irregular division of the rectum could result in poor functional outcomes and residual diseased mucosa. The aim of the study was to develop a new technique for performing the rectal transection via a laparoscopic approach, and to compare the outcomes of this technique with those of the open surgery IPAA.

METHODS

This prospective study included all patients who underwent restorative proctectomy (following a previous subtotal colectomy) for ulcerative colitis in October 2017-November 2020. Rectal division was performed using a 30 mm open linear stapler which was applied laparoscopically across the distal rectum. Postoperative and functional outcomes, length of anal stump and completeness of mucosal removal were compared. Only the patients who had their ileostomy reversed by 31 December 2020 and, therefore, a minimum follow-up of 6 months from the ileostomy closure, were included in the analysis of the functional outcomes and quality of life.

RESULTS

There were 207 patients (161 laparoscopic, 46 open). Median age was 43 (18-77) years and 85 patients (41.1%) were male. Major complications (9.3 vs. 8.7%, p = 0.89) including anastomotic leaks (3.7 vs 4.4%, p = 0.84) were similar after laparoscopic and open IPAA. Patients reported a comparable number of bowel movements during the day (6 vs. 7, p = 0.21) and at night (2 vs. 2, p = 0.66), and a similar rate of episodes of incontinence during the previous 6 months (3.7 vs. 4.3%, p = 0.75). The mean Cleveland Global Quality of Life score was also similar (0.79 vs. 0.74, p = 0.35).

CONCLUSION

Our technique is safe and reproducible, and replicates the results of the open IPAA, while maintaining the advantages of minimally invasive surgery and avoiding any kind of anal manipulation which could result in poor long-term functional outcomes.

Use of indocyanine green fluorescence angiography during ileal J-pouch surgery requiring lengthening maneuvers

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to review whether routine usage of indocyanine green (ICG) perfusion assessment during complex ileal J-pouch surgery requiring lengthening maneuvers reduces ischemic complications.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review of patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) who underwent ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) surgery with lengthening maneuvers and intraoperative ICG assessment between January 2015 and January 2021. All patients underwent a double stapled anastomosis and were temporarily diverted. All patients underwent laparoscopic and trans-anal ICG assessment of their J-pouch and anastomosis. All J-pouches were evaluated 6 weeks after surgery via contrast enema and pouchoscopy.

RESULTS

One hundred fifty eight patients underwent ileal J-pouch surgery during the study period. Sixteen patients (10%) underwent lengthening maneuvers and intra-operative ICG assessment. Twelve patients underwent surgery for UC and 4 for FAP. Median age was 40.3 years and average body mass index was 24.9 kg/m². Twelve patients underwent a two-stage procedure and the remaining underwent a three-stage procedure. 93.7% of cases were completed laparoscopically (15/16). All patients underwent scoring of the peritoneum and 43% (7/16) underwent division of the ileocolic or intermediate mesenteric vessels. There was no mortality or pouch ischemia and the leak rate was 12.5%. All patients underwent reversal after an average of 18 ± 7 weeks.

CONCLUSION

ICG perfusion assessment appears to be of utility in complex IPAA surgery requiring lengthening maneuvers. Its application may be associated with reduced J-pouch ischemia and leak rate in this unique setting.

Mesenteric Lengthening in Pouch Surgery: Review of Surgical Techniques

Described for the first time in the medical literature in 1978 by Parks and Nicholls, total proctocolectomy with ileal-pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) is nowadays the procedure of choice for patients with ulcerative colitis in whom the medical therapy has, a selected group of patients with Crohńs disease, and for patients with familial adenomatous polyposis. Despite the advances in medical treatment regarding inflammatory bowel disease, up to 30% of patients still require surgery, and restorative proctocolectomy and IPAA are the mainstay of the surgical treatment. It is considered a demanding and technically-challenging procedure, with the main challenge being the performance of a tension-free IPAA; the main reason for failure of the tension-free anastomosis is a shortened mesentery. With particular attention to detail, sufficient length can be achieved to enable a safe anastomosis in most patients. Herein, we describe the available techniques to lengthen the mesentery of the ileal pouch to perform an easy-to-reach tension-free anastomosis.

State-of-the-art surgery for ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an autoimmune-mediated colitis which can present in varying degrees of severity and increases the individual’s risk of developing colon cancer. While first-line treatment for UC is medical management, surgical treatment may be necessary in up to 25–30% of patients. With an increasing armamentarium of biologic therapies, patients are presenting for surgery much later in their course, and careful understanding of the complex interplay of the disease, its management, and the patient’s overall health is necessary when considering he appropriate way in which to address their disease surgically. Surgery is generally a total proctocolectomy either with pelvic pouch reconstruction or permanent ileostomy; however, this may need to be spread across multiple procedures given the complexity of the surgery weighed against the overall state of the patient’s health. Minimally invasive surgery, employing either laparoscopic, robotic, or transanal laparoscopic approaches, is currently the preferred approach in the elective setting. There is also some emerging evidence that appendectomy may delay the progression of UC in some individuals. Those who treat these patients surgically must also be familiar with the numerous potential pitfalls of surgical intervention and have plans in place for managing problems such as pouchitis, cuffitis, and anastomotic complications.