Bowel Function After J-Pouch May Be More Complex Than Previously Appreciated: A Comprehensive Analysis to Highlight Existing Knowledge Gaps

Functional Disorders of the Ileal-Anal Pouch: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

The IPAA is a boon to patients needing proctocolectomy but maintains per anal function through anatomic and physiologic compromises. The state of pouch function is hard to define because pouch anatomy is not normal and pouch physiology is a distortion of normal defecation. Patients with pouches develop multiple symptoms: some are expected, some are disease related, and some are the result of surgical complications. It is important to understand the cause of pouch-related symptoms so that appropriate management is offered.

OBJECTIVES

The study aimed to review pouch symptoms and discuss their likely cause, review the literature on pouch function and dysfunction, and provide clarity to clear the confusion.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed and Cochrane databases were searched using the terms "ileoanal pouch function" and "ileoanal pouch dysfunction."

STUDY SELECTION

From 1983 to 2023, 553 articles related to "ileoanal pouch function" and 178 related to "ileoanal pouch dysfunction" were reviewed. Nine studies appeared under both headings. Case studies, duplicate publications, and articles concerning pouch diseases were excluded.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Definitions of pouch function and dysfunction, methods of describing and scoring symptoms, and understanding of expected changes in pouch function given the nature of the surgery.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven studies were reviewed from the ileoanal pouch dysfunction search and 38 from ileoanal pouch function. Three studies tried to define normal pouch function, 10 attempted to measure pouch function, and 4 aimed to score pouch function. Only 3 studies addressed pouch physiology.

LIMITATIONS

A full discussion of pouch dysfunction is limited by the lack of studies focussing on the anatomic and physiologic consequences of turning the terminal ileum into an organ of storage.

CONCLUSIONS

Most studies of pouch function and dysfunction do not consider expected changes in the physiology of defecation that follow restorative proctocolectomy. Thus, most studies of pouch function produce conclusions that lack an important dimension. See video from symposium.

Anorectal Manometry in Patients With Fecal Incontinence After Ileal Pouch-Anal Anastomosis for Ulcerative Colitis: A Cohort Study

Background

Fecal incontinence commonly occurs in patients with ulcerative colitis and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. There is a paucity of manometric data in pouch patients. We aimed to better define manometric parameters in pouch patients with fecal incontinence.

Methods

We compared clinical and manometric variables in ulcerative colitis patients with pouch and fecal incontinence to ulcerative colitis patients with pouch without fecal incontinence and to non-ulcerative colitis patients with fecal incontinence. Manometric data for the 3 cohorts were compared to established normative data. An independent-samples t-test was performed for continuous variables, and chi-square test was used for categorical variables. Logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of incontinence in pouch patients (P < .05).

Results

Among 26 pouch patients with fecal incontinence (73% female), 26 pouch patients without fecal incontinence (35% female), and 84 patients with fecal incontinence without ulcerative colitis (68% female), there were no differences in anorectal pressures between patients with fecal incontinence. Lower pressures were observed in pouch patients with fecal incontinence compared to those without fecal incontinence. Resting pressure was similar between pouch patients with fecal incontinence and healthy controls (60.9 ± 36.1 mmHg vs. 66.9 ± 3.2 mmHg, P = .40). Female sex (P = .019) and defecatory disorders (P = .033) each independently predicted fecal incontinence in pouch patients.

Conclusions

Pouch patients with fecal incontinence have lower anorectal pressures compared to pouch patients without incontinence, though have similar pressures to non-ulcerative colitis patients with fecal incontinence. Pouch patients with fecal incontinence have similar resting pressures as healthy controls. Distinct manometric normative values for pouch patients are needed.

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.

Review of long-term complications and functional outcomes of ileoanal pouch procedures in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND

In medically refractory Ulcerative Colitis (UC), proctocolectomy with ileoanal pouch procedure (IAPP) is the preferred continence-preserving surgical option. Functional outcomes post-surgery and long-term complication rates in the biologic era remain ambiguous. This review primarily aims to provide an update on these outcomes. Secondarily, risk factors associated with chronic pouchitis and pouch failure are explored.

METHODS

Two online databases (MEDLINE and EMBASE) were searched on 4 October 2022 for English studies from 2011-present relating to long-term outcomes of IAPP in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. Adult patients with 12 month follow-up were included. Studies focused on 30-day post-operative outcomes, non-IBD patients or studies including less than 30 patients were excluded.

RESULTS

Following screening and full-text review of 1094 studies, 49 were included. Median sample size was n = 282 (IQR: 116-519). Median incidences for chronic pouchitis and pouch failure were 17.1% (IQR: 12-23.6%) and 6.9% (IQR: 4.8-10.8%), respectively. Upon multivariate analysis, chronic pouchitis development was most significantly associated with pre-operative steroid use, pancolitis and extra-intestinal IBD manifestations, whilst pouch failure was most significantly associated with pre-operative diagnosis of Crohn's disease (compared to UC), peri-operative pelvic sepsis and anastomotic leak. Overall patient satisfaction was very high with four included studies reporting greater than 90% satisfaction rates.

CONCLUSION

Long-term complications for IAPP were common. However, despite this, patient satisfaction post-IAPP was high. Up-to-date knowledge of complication rates and their risk factors improves pre-operative counselling, management planning and patient outcomes.

Development and Validation of a Symptom-Based Scoring System for Bowel Dysfunction After Ileoanal Pouch Reconstruction: The Ileoanal Pouch Syndrome Severity Score

BACKGROUND

The Patient-Reported Outcomes After Pouch Surgery Delphi Consensus Study identified 7 symptoms and 7 consequences as key domains for evaluating and analyzing ileoanal pouch function.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to use items identified as priorities by the Patient-Reported Outcomes After Pouch Surgery Delphi Consensus Study to create a validated tool for quantifying pouch function.

DESIGN

Patients were administered a questionnaire-based survey eliciting responses regarding frequency of a variety of bowel symptoms.

SETTING

Patients with pouches were recruited at IBD centers and via patient advocacy websites.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Associations between items and quality of life were computed in a score generation cohort of 298 patients by logistic regression modeling. Individual score values were designated to items to create an additive score titled the Ileoanal Pouch Syndrome Severity Score. Validity was tested in a subsequent cohort of 386 patients using receiver operating characteristic area under the curve. In addition, test-retest validity, convergent validity, and clinical validity were evaluated.

RESULTS

After the determination of item weights, the range of possible scores was found to be 0 to 145. Score ranges were then determined as cutoff values for "ileoanal pouch syndrome." The score was then validated on the second patient cohort, with a receiver operating characteristic area under the curve of 0.83. Importantly, worsening severity of Ileoanal Pouch Syndrome Score significantly correlated with higher rates of poor quality of life. Finally, the questionnaire was rigorously validated to show test-retest validity, convergent validity compared to other bowel function scores, and clinical validity.

CONCLUSIONS

This study developed a patient-centered, clinically useful scoring system that can quantify the range and severity of symptoms experienced by patients with ileoanal pouches and their correlation with quality of life.

DESARROLLO Y VALIDACIN DE UN SISTEMA DE PUNTUACIN BASADO EN SNTOMAS PARA LA DISFUNCIN INTESTINAL DESPUS DE LA RECONSTRUCCIN CON RESERVORIO ILEOANAL LA PUNTUACIN DE GRAVEDAD DEL SNDROME DE RESERVORIO ILEOANAL

ANTECEDENTES:En el estudio Delphi Consensus los resultados informados por el paciente después de la cirugía de reservorio identificaron 7 síntomas y 7 consecuencias como dominios clave para evaluar y analizar la función del reservorio ileoanal.OBJETIVO:Utilizar elementos identificados como prioritarios por el estudio de consenso Delphi de resultados informados por el paciente después de la cirugía de reservorio para crear una herramienta validada para cuantificar la función del reservorio.DISEÑO:A los pacientes se les administró una encuesta basada en un cuestionario que obtuvo respuestas con respecto a la frecuencia de una variedad de síntomas intestinales.ESCENARIO:Los pacientes con reservorio fueron reclutados en centros de enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal y a través de sitios web dirigidos al paciente.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:Las asociaciones entre los elementos y la calidad de vida se calcularon en una cohorte de generación de puntuación de 298 pacientes mediante un modelo de regresión logística. Se asignaron valores de puntuación individuales a los elementos para crear una puntuación aditiva denominada Puntuación de gravedad del síndrome de reservorio ileoanal. La validez se probó en una cohorte posterior de 386 pacientes utilizando el área característica operativa del receptor bajo la curva. Además, se evaluaron la validez del test-retest, la validez convergente y la validez clínica.RESULTADOS:Después de determinar el peso de los elementos, el rango de puntajes posibles fue de 0 a 145. Los rangos de puntaje se determinaron luego como valores de corte para el "síndrome de la reservorio ileoanal". A continuación, la puntuación se validó en la segunda cohorte de pacientes, con un área característica operativa del receptor bajo la curva de 0.3. Es importante destacar que el empeoramiento de la gravedad de la puntuación del síndrome de reservorio ileoanal se correlacionó significativamente con tasas más altas de mala calidad de vida. Por último, el cuestionario fue rigurosamente validado para mostrar validez test-retest, validez convergente en comparación con otras puntuaciones de función intestinal y validez clínica.CONCLUSIONES:Este estudio desarrolló un sistema de puntuación clínicamente útil y centrado en el paciente que puede cuantificar el rango y la gravedad de los síntomas experimentados por los pacientes con reservorio ileoanal y su correlación con la calidad de vida. (Traducción-Dr. Jorge Silva Velazco ).

Development and Validation of a Symptom-based Scoring System for Bowel Dysfunction After Ileoanal Pouch Reconstruction

OBJECTIVE

To utilize items identified as priorities by the Patient-Reported Outcomes after Pouch Surgery Delphi consensus study to create a validated tool for quantifying pouch function.

BACKGROUND

The Patient-Reported Outcomes After Pouch Surgery Delphi consensus study identified 7 symptoms and 7 consequences as key domains for evaluating and analyzing ileoanal pouch function.

METHODS

Pouch patients were recruited at inflammatory bowel disease centers and via patient advocacy websites. They were administered a questionnaire-based survey eliciting responses regarding the frequency of a variety of bowel symptoms. Associations between items and quality of life were computed in a score generation cohort of 298 patients by logistic regression modeling. Individual score values were designated to items to create an additive score titled the "Ileoanal Pouch Syndrome Severity Score." Validity was tested in a subsequent cohort of 386 patients using receiver operating characteristic area under the curve. In addition, test-rest validity, convergent validity, and clinical validity were evaluated.

RESULTS

After the determination of item weights, the range of possible scores was 0 to 145. Score ranges were then determined as cutoff values for "ileoanal pouch syndrome." The score was then validated on the second patient cohort, with a receiver operating characteristic area under the curve of 0.83. Importantly, worsening severity of Ileoanal Pouch Syndrome score significantly correlated with higher rates of poor quality of life. Lastly, the questionnaire was rigorously validated to show test-retest validity, convergent validity compared with other bowel function scores, and clinical validity.

CONCLUSIONS

This study developed a patient-centered, clinically useful scoring system that can quantify the range and severity of symptoms experienced by ileoanal pouch patients and their correlation with quality of life.

Ileoanal Pouch Syndrome Is Common and Associated With Significant Disability in Patients With Ulcerative Colitis Undergoing IPAA

BACKGROUND

Recently, ileoanal pouch syndrome (IPS) has been proposed and defined according to a series of patient-centered bowel symptoms and consequences after ileoanal pouch surgery.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of IPS and the related disability in UC patients undergoing IPAA.

DESIGN

This was a cross-sectional study.

SETTING

This study was conducted in a tertiary center.

PATIENTS

Data of 128 UC-related IPAA from October 2014 to May 2021 were collected.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Primary outcomes were prevalence of IPS.

RESULTS

One hundred twenty-eight patients were enrolled with a median postoperative follow-up of 2.64 (IQR, 1.31-3.80) years. The prevalence of IPS and its constituent symptoms and consequences are lower for patients with longer follow-up after ileostomy reversal. Fecal incontinence and pad usage had the greatest impact on the quality of life affecting 29% and 31% of patients. IPS group had a significantly higher IBD-Disability Index score compared to the non-IPS group (27.25 vs 12.15, p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that 4 symptoms (fecal incontinence, clustering, fragmentation and incomplete evacuation, and nocturnal symptoms) and 2 consequences (pad usage and negative mental alterations) were associated with increased IBD-Disability Index (p < 0.05). For patients followed-up for >2 years, multivariate analysis showed that male gender (OR, 4.485; 95% CI, 1.354-14.857; p = 0.014), preoperative duration of disease (OR, 1.013; 95% CI, 1.001-1.025; p = 0.031), and postoperative follow-up (OR, 0.462; 95% CI, 0.244-0.876; p = 0.049) were independently associated with IPS.

LIMITATIONS

This is a single-center cross-sectional study rather than a prospective multicenter large longitudinal study.

CONCLUSIONS

IPS is a common situation negatively affecting the quality of life for patients with ulcerative colitis undergoing IPAA, and its rate decreased over time from ileal pouch surgery. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/C41.

EL SNDROME DEL RESERVORIO ILEOANAL ES COMN Y EST ASOCIADO CON UNA DISCAPACIDAD SIGNIFICATIVA EN PACIENTES CON CU CON RESERVORIO ILEAL Y ANASTOMOSIS RESERVORIOANAL

ANTECEDENTES:Recientemente se propuso y definió el síndrome del reservorio ileoanal de acuerdo con una serie de síntomas intestinales centrados en el paciente y las consecuencias después de la cirugía del reservorio ileoanal.OBJETIVO:El propósito de este estudio fue investigar la prevalencia del síndrome del reservorio ileoanal y la discapacidad relacionada en pacientes con colitis ulcerosa con reservorio ileal y anastomosis reservorio-anal.DISEÑO:Este fue un estudio transversal.ESCENARIO:Este estudio se realizó en un centro terciario.PACIENTES:Se recopilaron datos de 128 pacientes con reservorio ileal por colitis ulcerosa desde octubre de 2014 hasta mayo de 2021.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:Los resultados primarios fueron la prevalencia del síndrome del reservorio ileoanal.RESULTADOS:Ciento veintiocho pacientes fueron reclutados con una mediana de seguimiento postoperatorio de 2,64 (IQR, 1,31-3,80) años. La prevalencia del síndrome del reservorio ileoanal y sus síntomas y consecuencias constituyentes es menor para los pacientes con un seguimiento más prolongado después de la reversión de la ileostomía. La incontinencia fecal y el uso de compresas tuvieron el mayor impacto en la calidad de vida, afectando al 29% y al 31% de los pacientes. El grupo con síndrome del reservorio ileoanal tuvo una puntuación del índice de discapacidad por enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal significativamente más alta en comparación con el grupo sin síndrome del reservorio ileoanal (27,25 frente a 12,15, p <0,001). El análisis multivariado mostró que 4 síntomas (incontinencia fecal, agrupamiento, fragmentación y evacuación incompleta y síntomas nocturnos) y 2 consecuencias (uso de toallas higiénicas y alteraciones mentales negativas) se asociaron con un aumento del índice de discapacidad por enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal (p <0,05). Para los pacientes seguidos durante más de dos años, el análisis multivariado mostró que el sexo masculino (OR, 4,485; IC 95%, 1,354-14,857; p = 0,014), la duración preoperatoria de la enfermedad (OR, 1,013; IC 95%, 1,001-1,025; p = 0,031) y el seguimiento postoperatorio (OR, 0,462; IC 95%, 0,244-0,876; p = 0,049) se asociaron de forma independiente con el síndrome del reservorio ileoanal.LIMITACIONES:Este es un estudio transversal de un solo centro en lugar de un gran estudio longitudinal prospectivo multicéntrico.CONCLUSIONES:El síndrome del reservorio ileoanal es una situación común que afecta negativamente la calidad de vida de los pacientes con colitis ulcerosa sometidos a anastomosis del reservorio ileal-anal, y su tasa disminuyó con el tiempo a partir de la cirugía del reservorio ileal. El sexo masculino y la mayor duración preoperatoria de la enfermedad son factores de riesgo importantes para el síndrome del reservorio ileoanal. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/C41. (Traducción-Dr. Felipe Bellolio).

When pouches cannot empty: a cohort study of the symptoms this causes, the reasons it's happening, and the treatments needed

BACKGROUND

Patients with an ileal pouch have a new system of defecation. The expulsive peristalsis of the rectum is replaced by the inertia of the pouch. Defecation becomes dependent on gravity and patients are prone to inefficient pouch-emptying. Several factors can impact pouch emptying and here we review a series of patients to illustrate these factors and their variable presentations.

METHODS

This is a retrospective, descriptive study of a series of patients who had undergone total proctocolectomy with ileal pouch anal anastomosis and presented with pouch dysfunction. Patients underwent investigations including, pouchoscopy, pouchography and anorectal physiology testing.

RESULTS

There were 34 patients, 18 men, mean age 48.4 years. Thirty-one had a J-pouch and 3 an S-pouch. Twenty-eight had a stapled and 6 a hand-sewn anastomosis. Presenting complaints included difficulty emptying the pouch (n = 17), high stool frequency (n = 8), clinical bowel obstruction (n = 7), and nocturnal incontinence (n = 3). Diagnoses were anal stenosis (11), afferent-limb syndrome (n = 7), pouch twist (n = 4), paradoxical puborectalis contraction (n = 7), efferent-limb spasm/stenosis (n = 2), mega-pouch (n = 3), pouch prolapse (n = 1), and pouch-rectal anastomosis (n = 1). Treatments included anal dilation (n = 11), disimpaction (n = 2), biofeedback (n = 2), pouch excision (n = 2), laparotomy with lysis of adhesions (n = 6), Botox injection into puborectalis (n = 6), catheter drainage (3), and miralax (n = 11). All patients with a stenosis had some improvement after dilation, and surgery restored pouch function.

CONCLUSIONS

Accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of pouch dysfunction is based on an appreciation of pouch physiology, correction of anatomic abnormalities that impair emptying, and management of stool consistency.

Defining normal pouch function in patients with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis: a pilot study

BACKGROUND

Most patients experience good functional outcomes following ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) for ulcerative colitis.

AIM

We aimed to determine if asymptomatic patients with an IPAA had findings consistent with normal defecation on standard objective anorectal tests.

METHODS

Patients 18-65 years old with IPAA and self-reported healthy pouch function were recruited. Patients with chronic pouchitis, Crohn's disease, anastomotic stricture, or indication for IPAA other than ulcerative or indeterminate colitis were excluded. Patients underwent an interview with an abbreviated Rome Questionnaire followed by high-resolution ano-pouch manometry, balloon expulsion test, pouch barostat, and magnetic resonance (MR) defecography.

RESULTS

Twenty patients completed all testing. Six patients were excluded from the final analysis due to symptoms suggestive of pouch evacuation disorder on the abbreviated Rome Questionnaire (n = 2), structural abnormality on MR imaging (n = 3), or both (n = 1). Of the remaining 14 patients, mean anal resting pressure during high-resolution manometry was 72 ± 16 mmHg, mean anal squeeze pressure was 247 ± 69 mmHg, and mean pouch-anal gradient during the simulated evacuation was -27 ± 37 mmHg. The meantime to balloon expulsion was 54 seconds. During dynamic MR defecography, the mean descent of ano-pouch junction was 2.6 cm, and mean pouch evacuation was 44.5% and 74.2% pre- and posttoilet phase, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

A substantial proportion of patients with IPAA and self-reported healthy pouch function have anatomic and/or functional abnormalities of the pouch. In asymptomatic IPAA patients with an anatomically normal pouch, we have proposed normal parameters for high-resolution ano-pouch manometry, time to balloon expulsion, pouch barostat, and MR defecography.

Postoperative complications of colectomy and J-pouch with ileostomy versus without ileostomy in children with inflammatory bowel diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

The efficacy of performing a restorative proctocolectomy and J-pouch ileoanal anastomosis without diverting ileostomy in children with inflammatory bowel disease has been a longstanding debate. A systematic review and meta-analysis is presented comparing the occurrence of postoperative complications in children who underwent either the pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) with ileostomy (diverted) versus the undiverted procedure.

Methods

Records were sourced from CINAHL, CENTRAL, EMBASE and MEDLINE databases. Studies followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and compared postoperative complications in pediatric patients diagnosed with inflammatory diseases aged less than 18 years who underwent J-pouch with ileostomy versus without ileostomy. The primary outcome was the occurrence of postoperative leaks, and the secondary outcomes were presence of postoperative small bowel obstruction (SBO), pouchitis, stricture and fistula complications. A random-effects meta-analysis was used.

Results

Twenty-three observational studies in the systematic review were included with 658 patients (83% diverted, 17% undiverted). Pooled estimates showed no difference in occurrence of leaks in children who underwent J-pouch/IPAA with ileostomy versus without (odds ratio (OR) 0.54, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.17 to 1.64, I2=16%). There was no difference in the occurrence of SBO, pouchitis or strictures in children who underwent J-pouch/IPAA with ileostomy versus without (SBO: OR 2.27, 95% CI 0.52 to 9.92, I2=0%, pouchitis: OR 1.76, 95% CI 0.95 to 3.24, I2=0%, strictures: OR 2.72, 95% CI 0.44 to 16.69, I2=66%).

Conclusion

The meta-analysis did not find differences in the occurrence of complications in pediatric patients who underwent the IPAA with ileostomy procedure versus without ileostomy.

Patients Undergoing Ileoanal Pouch Surgery Experience a Constellation of Symptoms and Consequences Representing a Unique Syndrome: A Report From the Patient-Reported Outcomes After Pouch Surgery (PROPS) Delphi Consensus Study

OBJECTIVE

The primary aim was to create a patient-centered definition of core symptoms that should be included in future studies of pouch function.

BACKGROUND

Functional outcomes after ileoanal pouch creation have been studied; however, there is great variability in how relevant outcomes are defined and reported. More importantly, the perspective of patients has not been represented in deciding which outcomes should be the focus of research.

METHODS

Expert stakeholders were chosen to correlate with the clinical scenario of the multidisciplinary team that cares for pouch patients: patients, colorectal surgeons, gastroenterologists/other clinicians. Three rounds of surveys were employed to select high-priority items. Survey voting was followed by a series of online patient consultation meetings used to clarify voting trends. A final online consensus meeting with representation from all 3 expert panels was held to finalize a consensus statement.

RESULTS

One hundred ninety-five patients, 62 colorectal surgeons, and 48 gastroenterologists/nurse specialists completed all 3 Delphi rounds. Fifty-three patients participated in online focus groups. One hundred sixty-one stakeholders participated in the final consensus meeting. On conclusion of the consensus meeting, 7 bowel symptoms and 7 consequences of undergoing ileoanal pouch surgery were included in the final consensus statement.

CONCLUSIONS

This study is the first to identify key functional outcomes after pouch surgery with direct input from a large panel of ileoanal pouch patients. The inclusion of patients in all stages of the consensus process allowed for a true patient-centered approach in defining the core domains that should be focused on in future studies of pouch function.

Patients Undergoing Ileoanal Pouch Surgery Experience a Constellation of Symptoms and Consequences Representing a Unique Syndrome: A Report from the Patient-Reported Outcomes After Pouch Surgery (PROPS) Delphi Consensus Study

BACKGROUND

Functional outcomes after ileoanal pouch creation have been studied; however, there is great variability in how relevant outcomes are defined and reported. More importantly, the perspective of patients has not been represented in deciding which outcomes should be the focus of research.

OBJECTIVE

The primary aim was to create a patient-centered definition of core symptoms that should be included in future studies of pouch function.

DESIGN

This was a Delphi consensus study.

SETTING

Three rounds of surveys were used to select high-priority items. Survey voting was followed by a series of online patient consultation meetings used to clarify voting trends. A final online consensus meeting with representation from all 3 expert panels was held to finalize a consensus statement.

PATIENTS

Expert stakeholders were chosen to correlate with the clinical scenario of the multidisciplinary team that cares for pouch patients, including patients, colorectal surgeons, and gastroenterologists or other clinicians.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

A consensus statement was the main outcome.

RESULTS

patients, 62 colorectal surgeons, and 48 gastroenterologists or nurse specialists completed all 3 Delphi rounds. Fifty-three patients participated in online focus groups. One hundred sixty-one stakeholders participated in the final consensus meeting. On conclusion of the consensus meeting, 7 bowel symptoms and 7 consequences of undergoing ileoanal pouch surgery were included in the final consensus statement.

LIMITATIONS

The study was limited by online recruitment bias.

CONCLUSIONS

This study is the first to identify key functional outcomes after pouch surgery with direct input from a large panel of ileoanal pouch patients. The inclusion of patients in all stages of the consensus process allowed for a true patient-centered approach in defining the core domains that should be focused on in future studies of pouch function. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B571.

LOS PACIENTES SOMETIDOS A CIRUGA DE RESERVORIO ILEOANAL EXPERIMENTAN UNA CONSTELACIN DE SNTOMAS Y CONSECUENCIAS QUE REPRESENTAN UN SNDROME UNICO

Un Informe de los Resultados Reportados por los Pacientes Posterior a la Cirugía de Reservorio (PROPS) Estudio de Consenso DelphiANTECEDENTES:Los resultados funcionales después de la creación del reservorio ileoanal han sido estudiados; sin embargo, existe una gran variabilidad en la forma en que se definen y reportan los resultados relevantes. Más importante aún, la perspectiva de los pacientes no se ha representado a la hora de decidir qué resultados deberían ser el foco de investigación.OBJETIVO:El objetivo principal era crear en el paciente una definición centrada de los síntomas principales que debería incluirse en los estudios futuros de la función del reservorio.DISEÑO:Estudio de consenso Delphi.ENTORNO CLINICO:Se emplearon tres rondas de encuestas para seleccionar elementos de alta prioridad. La votación de la encuesta fue seguida por una serie de reuniones de consulta de pacientes en línea que se utilizan para aclarar las tendencias de votación. Se realizo una reunión de consenso final en línea con representación de los tres paneles de expertos para finalizar una declaración de consenso.PACIENTES:Se eligieron partes interesadas expertas para correlacionar con el escenario clínico del equipo multidisciplinario que atiende a los pacientes con reservorio: pacientes, cirujanos colorrectales, gastroenterólogos / otros médicos.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE VALORACION:Declaración de consenso.RESULTADOS:Ciento noventa y cinco pacientes, 62 cirujanos colorrectales y 48 gastroenterólogos / enfermeras especialistas completaron las tres rondas Delphi. 53 pacientes participaron en grupos focales en línea. 161 interesados participaron en la reunión de consenso final. Al concluir la reunión de consenso, siete síntomas intestinales y siete consecuencias de someterse a una cirugía de reservorio ileoanal se incluyeron en la declaración de consenso final.LIMITACIONES:Sesgo de reclutamiento en línea.CONCLUSIONES:Este estudio es el primero en identificar resultados funcionales claves después de la cirugía de reservorio con información directa de un gran panel de pacientes con reservorio ileoanal. La inclusión de pacientes en todas las etapas del proceso de consenso permitió un verdadero enfoque centrado en el paciente para definir los dominios principales en los que debería centrarse los estudios futuros de la función del reservorio. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B571.

Determinants of long-term function and general well-being in patients with an ileoanal pouch

Background and aim

Fecal incontinence and/or evacuation difficulty are common after ileoanal pouch surgery. This study aimed to determine whether the development of these symptoms can be predicted so that preventive measures might be instituted.

Methods

A consecutive series of 46 patients with ulcerative colitis (median age at surgery, 41 years; 50% female) and a functioning pouch for a duration ≥12 months was included. Assessment utilized medical record review and questionnaires on pre‐ and postoperative bowel function, quality of life, and psychological well‐being. Pouch function was assessed by the Colorectal Functional Outcome score (0 = no impairment, 100 = worst impairment). Good pouch function was defined as a score ≤24.

Results

Fecal incontinence occurred in 67% preoperatively and 54% postoperatively; evacuation difficulty occurred in 65% and preoperatively and 85% postoperatively. The postoperative median Colorectal Functional Outcome score was 20 (range 2–74), with 44% of patients >24 (poor pouch function). Preoperative nocturnal fecal incontinence (odds ratio [OR] 4.92, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2–19.4, P = 0.02) and pouchitis (OR 5.41, 95% CI 1.2–23.7, P = 0.02) were associated with poor pouch function after multivariable regression analysis. Postoperative satisfaction, psychological well‐being, and quality of life were significantly better in those with good pouch function, while poor sleep, impaired work, and sexual dysfunction were independently associated with poor pouch function.

Conclusions

Functional bowel symptoms are common before and after pouch surgery and are associated with the impairment of patient‐reported outcomes. Preoperative nocturnal fecal incontinence predicts poor pouch function. Therapeutic focus on continence, bowel evacuation, psychological well‐being, and quality of life should begin before surgery.