Severe posthemicolectomy diarrhea: evaluation and treatment with SMS 201-995

Evolution of the restorative proctocolectomy and its effects on gastrointestinal hormones

Gastrointestinal (GI) peptide hormones are chemical messengers that regulate secretory, mechanical, metabolic, and trophic functions of the gut. Restorative proctocolectomy (RPC) or resection of the colon and rectum with maintenance of intestinal continuity through the construction of an ileal pouch reservoir and preservation of the anal sphincters has become the standard of care for the surgical treatment of ulcerative colitis and familial adenomatous polyposis. The manipulation of the digestive system to create the ileal pouch involves altering gut-associated lymphoid tissue among other anatomic changes that lead to changes in GI peptides. In addition, the ileal pouch epithelium responds to a wide variety of stimuli by adjusting its cellularity and function. These adaptive mechanisms involve systemic factors, such as humoral and neural stimuli, as well as local factors, such as changes in intestinal peristalsis and intraluminal nutrients. There have been conflicting reports as to whether the alterations in GI hormones after RPC have actual clinical implications. What the studies on alterations of GI peptides' response and behavior after RPC have contributed, however, is a window into the possible etiology of complications after pouch surgery, such as pouchitis and malabsorption. Given the possibility of pharmacologically modifying GI peptides or select components of adaptation as a therapeutic strategy for patients with ileal pouch dysfunction or pouchitis, a clear understanding of human pouch mucosal adaptation is of paramount importance. In this review, we summarize the evolution of the RPC and its effects on the GI hormones as well as their possible clinical implications.

Somatostatin and octreotide in gastroenterology

Somatostatin and octreotide have a definitive role in the management of symptomatic gut neuroendocrine tumours, particularly VIPomas and carcinoid. They probably also have a role in variceal bleeding, but this needs further confirmatory randomized trials. At present there is a potential role in the management of short bowel syndrome, dumping syndrome and gastrointestinal fistulae, but randomized clinical studies are needed. Possibly there is a role in AIDS-related diarrhoea and 'idiopathic' secretory diarrhoea, but more evidence is required. They have no role in acute pancreatitis and peptic ulcer bleeding. Irritable bowel syndrome remains unexplored but unlikely to benefit.