Permanent ostomy after ileoanal pouch failure: pouch in situ or pouch excision?

Endoscopic Evaluation of the Ileal Pouch

BACKGROUND

Structural and inflammatory adverse sequelae are common after restorative proctocolectomy and IPAA. On rare occasions, neoplasia can occur in patients with ileal pouches. Pouchoscopy plays a key role in the diagnosis, differential diagnosis, disease monitoring, assessment of treatment response, surveillance, and delivery of therapy.

OBJECTIVE

A systematic review of the literature was performed, and principles and techniques of pouchoscopy were described.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane databases.

STUDY SELECTION

Relevant articles on endoscopy in ileal pouches published between January 2000 and May 2023 were included based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.

INTERVENTION

Diagnostic, surveillance, and therapeutic endoscopy in ileal pouch disorders were included.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Accurate characterization of the ileal pouch in healthy or diseased states.

RESULTS

The main anatomic structures of a J- or S-pouch are the stoma closure site, prepouch ileum, inlet, tip of the "J," pouch body, anastomosis, cuff, and anal transition zone. Each anatomic location can be prone to the development of structural, inflammatory, or neoplastic disorders. For example, ulcers and strictures are common at the stoma closure site, inlet, and anastomosis. Leaks are commonly detected at the tip of the "J" and anastomosis. Characterization of the anastomotic distribution of inflammation is critical for the differential diagnosis of subtypes of pouchitis and other inflammatory disorders of the pouch. Neoplastic lesions, albeit rare, mainly occur at the cuff, anal transition zone, or anastomosis.

LIMITATIONS

This is a qualitative, not quantitative, review of mainly case series.

CONCLUSIONS

Most structural, inflammatory, and neoplastic disorders can be reliably diagnosed with a careful pouchoscopy. The endoscopist and other clinicians taking care of pouch patients should be familiar with the anatomy of the ileal pouch and be able to recognize common abnormalities. See video from symposium.

Ouch, my pouch! a clinician's guide to pouchitis

Pouchitis is defined as inflammation of the ileal pouch created during a restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. Although the incidence of this inflammatory condition is high, the exact etiology often remains unclear and the management challenging. In this review, we summarize the clinical presentation, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of this common complication.

Transabdominal IPAA Revision: Does Indication Dictate Outcome?

BACKGROUND

Following IPAA failure, select patients are eligible for IPAA revision. Presently, there is limited evidence describing long-term revision outcomes and predictors of revision failure. This represents an important knowledge gap when selecting and counseling patients.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to define long-term IPAA survival outcomes after transabdominal IPAA revision and identify preoperative clinical factors associated with revision failure.

DESIGN

This was a retrospective cohort study.

SETTINGS

This study was conducted at a tertiary referral center.

PATIENTS

This study included all patients who underwent revisional IPAA surgery between 1982 and 2017 for pouch failure.

INTERVENTION

Transabdominal IPAA revision was included.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was pouch failure, defined as pouch excision or permanent pouch diversion, after IPAA revision.

RESULTS

A total of 159 patients (64.2% women) were included with a median age of 36 years (interquartile range, 28.5-46.5) at revision. Eighty percent of patients had a primary diagnosis of ulcerative colitis. The most common indication for revision was leak/pelvic sepsis, representing 41% of the cohort, followed by pouch-vaginal fistula (22.2%), mechanical factors (20.4%), and poor pouch function (14.6%). During the study period, 56 patients (35.2%) experienced pouch failure. The 3-year pouch survival probability was 82.3% (95% CI, 75.5%-87.5%), 5-year pouch survival probability was 77.2% (95% CI, 69.8%-83.0%), and 10-year pouch survival probability was 70.6% (95% CI, 62.6%-77.2%). Compared to mechanical factors, pouch failure was significantly associated with pelvic sepsis (HR, 4.25; 95% CI, 1.50-12.0) and pouch-vaginal fistula (HR, 4.37; 95% CI, 1.47-12.99). No significant association was found between revision failure and previous revision, redo ileoanal anastomosis, or new pouch construction.

LIMITATIONS

This study is limited by its retrospective design.

CONCLUSIONS

Revisional IPAA can be undertaken with favorable long-term outcomes at high-volume centers. Consideration should be given to indication for revision when counseling patients regarding the risk of failure. Further research on risk stratifying patients before revision is required. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B966 .

REVISIN DE LA ANASTOMOSIS ANAL DE LA BOLSA ILEAL TRANSABDOMINAL LA INDICACIN DICTA EL RESULTADO

ANTECEDENTES:Después de la falla en la anastomosis del reservorio ileoanal, los pacientes seleccionados son elegibles para la revisión de la anastomosis del reservorio ileoanal. Actualmente, hay evidencias limitadas que describen los resultados de la revisión a largo plazo y los predictores del fracaso de la revisión. Esto representa un importante vacío de investigación a la hora de seleccionar y asesorar a los pacientes.OBJETIVO:Definir los resultados de supervivencia a largo plazo de la IPAA después de la revisión de la anastomosis del reservorio ileoanal transabdominal e identificar los factores clínicos preoperatorios asociados con el fracaso de la revisión.DISEÑO:Este fue un estudio de cohorte retrospectivo.ENTORNO CLINICO:Este estudio se realizó en un centro de referencia terciario.PARTICIPANTES:Todos los pacientes que se sometieron a una cirugía de revisión de la anastomosis ileoanal del reservorio entre 1982 y 2017, por falla del reservorio.INTERVENCIÓN:Revisión de la anastomosis de reservorio ileoanal transabdominal.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:El resultado primario es el fracaso del reservorio, definido como escisión del reservorio o derivación permanente del reservorio, después de la revisión de la anastomosis del reservorio ileoanal.RESULTADOS:Se incluyeron un total de 159 pacientes (64,2% mujeres) con una mediana de edad a la revisión de 36 años (RIC: 28,5-46,5). El ochenta por ciento tenía un diagnóstico primario de colitis ulcerosa. La indicación más común para la revisión fue la fuga/sepsis pélvica, que representó el 41 % de la cohorte, seguida de la fístula vaginal del reservorio (22,2 %), factores mecánicos (20,4 %) y mala función del reservorio 14,6 %. Durante el período de estudio, 56 pacientes (35,2 %) experimentaron fallas en la bolsa. Las probabilidades de supervivencia de la bolsa a los 3, 5 y 10 años fueron del 82,3% (IC del 95%: 75,5%-87,5%), del 77,2% (IC del 95%: 69,8%-83,0%) y del 70,6% (IC del 95%: 62,6%- 77,2%), respectivamente. En comparación con los factores mecánicos, la falla de la bolsa se asoció significativamente con sepsis pélvica (HR = 4,25, IC del 95 %: 1,50 a 12,0) y fístula vaginal de la bolsa (HR = 4,37, IC del 95 %: 1,47 a 12,99). No hubo una asociación significativa entre el fracaso de la revisión y la revisión previa, el rehacer la anastomosis ileoanal o la construcción de una nueva bolsa.LIMITACIONES:El estudio está limitado por su diseño retrospectivo.CONCLUSIONES:La revisión de la anastomosis del reservorio ileoanal se puede realizar con resultados favorables a largo plazo en centros de alto volumen. Se debe considerar la indicación de revisión al asesorar a los pacientes sobre el riesgo de fracaso. Se requiere investigación adicional sobre la estratificación del riesgo de los pacientes antes de la revisión. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B966 . (Traducción - Dr. Fidel Ruiz Healy ).

Crohn's of the Pouch: Now What?

Total proctocolectomy and ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) is the gold standard surgical treatment for the majority (∼90%) of ulcerative colitis (UC) patients. In cases of carefully selected Crohn's colitis patients without small bowel or perianal involvement an "intentional IPAA" may be a viable option for disease resection and restoration of intestinal continuity. More commonly, Crohn's is incidentally found either in the resection specimen or, more commonly, when inflammatory complications subsequently arise after pouch construction for UC or indeterminate colitis. These incidental Crohn's pouches may be diagnosed early or late period post-IPAA. Crohn's may manifest within the pouch, in the proximal small bowel, and/or distally in the rectal cuff or anus. Like intestinal Crohn's, Crohn's disease of the pouch may be of an inflammatory, fibrostenosing, or fistulizing phenotype. Treatment depends on the phenotype and includes medical treatment, most commonly in the form of tumor necrosis factor inhibitor medications; however, the newer small molecules offer a potential treatment for these patients. Surgery first entails treating the sequelae of Crohn's and is typically staged. In up to 60% of Crohn's pouches, particularly in fistulizing disease and/or recalcitrant perianal disease, the pouch fails and must be defunctioned or excised. In patients with Crohn's pouches in situ long term, outcomes including quality of life are comparable to patients who underwent IPAA for UC.

Pelvic Pouch Failure: Treatment Options

Up to 30% of patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) will require surgical management of their disease during their lifetime. An ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) is the gold standard of care, giving patients the ability to be free from UC's bowel disease and avoid a permanent ostomy. Despite surgical advancements, a minority of patients will still experience pouch failure which can be debilitating and often require further surgical interventions. Signs and symptoms of pouch failure should be addressed with the appropriate workup and treatment plans formulated according with the patient's wishes. This article will discuss the identification, workup, and treatment options for pouch failure after IPAA.

Treatment of pouchitis, Crohn's disease, cuffitis, and other inflammatory disorders of the pouch: consensus guidelines from the International Ileal Pouch Consortium

Pouchitis, Crohn's disease of the pouch, cuffitis, polyps, and extraintestinal manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease are common inflammatory disorders of the ileal pouch. Acute pouchitis is treated with oral antibiotics and chronic pouchitis often requires anti-inflammatory therapy, including the use of biologics. Aetiological factors for secondary pouchitis should be evaluated and managed accordingly. Crohn's disease of the pouch is usually treated with biologics and its stricturing and fistulising complications can be treated with endoscopy or surgery. The underlying cause of cuffitis determines treatment strategies. Endoscopic polypectomy is recommended for large, symptomatic inflammatory polyps and polyps in the cuff. The management principles of extraintestinal manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease in patients with pouches are similar to those in patients without pouches.

Diagnosis and classification of ileal pouch disorders: consensus guidelines from the International Ileal Pouch Consortium

Restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis is an option for most patients with ulcerative colitis or familial adenomatous polyposis who require colectomy. Although the construction of an ileal pouch substantially improves patients' health-related quality of life, the surgery is, directly or indirectly, associated with various structural, inflammatory, and functional adverse sequelae. Furthermore, the surgical procedure does not completely abolish the risk for neoplasia. Patients with ileal pouches often present with extraintestinal, systemic inflammatory conditions. The International Ileal Pouch Consortium was established to create this consensus document on the diagnosis and classification of ileal pouch disorders using available evidence and the panellists' expertise. In a given individual, the condition of the pouch can change over time. Therefore, close monitoring of the activity and progression of the disease is essential to make accurate modifications in the diagnosis and classification in a timely manner.

Ileoanal Pouch: Pelvic Sepsis and Poor Function-Now What?

Pelvic sepsis is a dreadful complication after ileal pouch creation. It is mostly treated conservatively, and the ileal pouch can be salvaged if sepsis is detected and treated in a timely manner. Even under the best circumstances, pelvic sepsis is often associated with poor functional outcomes. If pelvic sepsis becomes chronic, it could lead to pouch failure. Redo ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) is a viable option in the setting of chronic pelvic sepsis to preserve gastrointestinal continuity in motivated patients. It is associated with similar surgical morbidity, acceptable functional outcomes, and good quality of life. Patients should be involved in the decision-making process after ileal pouch failure. In the setting of ileal pouch failure, surgeons with limited experience may not be comfortable offering patients redo IPAA. Redo IPAA requires subspecialization and patients with ileal pouch failure should be treated at specialized high-volume centers.

Ileal Pouch Excision can Be Performed With Similar Outcomes in Obese Patients Compared to Nonobese Counterparts: An Assessment From American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program

BACKGROUND

Failed pouches may tend to be managed with only a loop ileostomy in obese patients due to some safety concerns. The effect of obesity on ileal pouch excision outcomes is poorly studied. In our study, we aimed to assess the short-term outcomes after ileal pouch excision in obese patients compared to their nonobese counterparts.

METHODS

The patients who underwent pouch excision between 2005 and 2017 were included using ACS-NSQIP participant user files. The operative outcomes were compared between obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m²) and nonobese (BMI<30 kg/m²) groups.

RESULTS

There were 507 pouch excision patients included of which eighty (15.7%) of them were obese. Physical status of the obese patients tended to be worse (ASA>3, 56.3 vs 42.9%, P = .027). There were more patients who had diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension (HT) in the obese group (26.3% vs. 11.2%, P = .015; 11.3 vs. 4.4%, P < .001, respectively). Operative time was similar between 2 groups (mean ± SD, 275 ± 111 vs. 252±111 minutes, P = .084). Deep incisional SSI was more commonly observed in the obese group (7.5 vs 2.8%, P = .038). In multivariate analysis, only deep incisional SSI was found to be independently associated with obesity (OR: 2.79, 95% CI: 1.02-7.67). Obese patients were readmitted more frequently than nonobese counterparts (28.3 vs 16%, P = .035). The length of hospital stay was comparable [median (IQR), 7 (4-13.5) vs. 7 (5-11) days, P = .942].

CONCLUSION

Ileal pouch excision can be performed in obese patients with largely similar outcomes compared to their nonobese counterparts although obesity is associated with a higher rate of deep space infection.

Complications and functional outcomes after ileo-anal pouch excision-a systematic review of 14 retrospective observational studies

PURPOSE

The ileo-anal pouch (IAP) has been the gold standard procedure for maintenance of bowel continuity after panproctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis, familial adenomatous polyposis or hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer. However, the IAP has an estimated failure rate of 13% at 10 years post-procedure (Tulchinsky et al., Ann Surg 238(2):229-34, 2003), which can result in pouch excision (P.E.). This systematic review aims to synthesise all the available studies reporting post-operative outcomes of P.E. and its impact on patient quality of life (QoL), when available, which have not previously been summarised.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, Medline and the Cochrane library databases were searched with terms 'Pouch AND excision' OR 'Pouch AND removal' OR 'Pouch AND remove' OR 'IAP AND excision'. All studies reporting post-operative morbidity, mortality or functional outcomes in patients who had P.E. were included. Studies with < 5 patients, non-English studies and conference abstracts were excluded.

RESULTS

14 studies comprising 1601 patients were included. Overall complications varied from 18 to 63% with the most common being persistent perineal sinus (9-40%) or surgical site infection (wound-2 to 30%; intra-abdominal collection-3 to 24%). The mortality rate was between 0.58 and 1.4%. QoL is generally lower in P.E. patients compared to the normal population across various QoL measures and P.E. patients often had urinary and sexual dysfunction post-operatively.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a substantial incidence of complications after P.E.; however, there is no evidence describing QoL pre- and post-P.E. Further longitudinal research comparing QoL in patients undergoing P.E. and other treatment options such as indefinite diversion is required to definitively assess QoL post-procedure.

Short-term and Long-term Outcomes Following Pelvic Pouch Excision: The Mount Sinai Hospital Experience

BACKGROUND

Few studies have reported surgical outcomes following pouch excision and fewer have described the long-term sequelae. Given the debate regarding optimal surgical management following pouch failure, an accurate estimation of the morbidity associated with this procedure addresses a critical knowledge gap.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to review our institutional experience with pouch excision with a focus on indications, short-term outcomes, and long-term reintervention rates.

DESIGN

This was a retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

This study was conducted at Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario Canada.

PARTICIPANTS

Adult patients registered in the prospectively maintained IBD database with a diagnosis of pelvic pouch failure between 1991 and 2018 were selected.

INTERVENTION

The patients had undergone pelvic pouch excision was measured.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Indications for excision, incidence of short-term and long-term complications, and long-term surgical reintervention were the primary outcomes. In addition, multivariable logistic regression models were fitted to identify predictors of chronic perineal wound complications and the effect of preoperative diversion. The positive predictive value of a clinical suspicion of Crohn's disease of the pouch was also evaluated.

RESULTS

One hundred forty cases were identified. Fifty-nine percent of patients experienced short-term complications and 49.3% experienced delayed morbidity. Overall, one-third of patients required long-term reoperation related to perineal wound, stoma, and hernia complications. On multivariable regression, immunosuppression was associated with increased odds of perineal wound complications, and preoperative diversion was not associated with perineal wound healing. Crohn's disease was suspected in 24 patients preoperatively but confirmed on histopathology in only 6 patients.

LIMITATIONS

This is a retrospective chart review of a single institution's experience, whereby complication rates may be underestimates of the true event rates.

CONCLUSIONS

Pouch excision is associated with high postoperative morbidity and long-term reintervention due to nonhealing perineal wounds, stoma complications, and hernias. Further study is required to clarify risk reduction strategies to limit perineal wound complications and the appropriate selection of patients for diversion alone vs pouch excision in IPAA failure. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B348. RESULTADOS A CORTO Y LARGO PLAZO DESPUÉS DE LA EXTIRPACIÓN DE LA BOLSA PéLVICA: LA EXPERIENCIA DEL HOSPITAL MOUNT SINAÍ: Pocos estudios han informado resultados quirúrgicos después de la escisión de bolsa pélvica (reservorio ileoanal) y menos han descrito las secuelas a largo plazo. Dado el debate sobre el manejo quirúrgico óptimo después de la falla de la bolsa, una estimación precisa de la morbilidad asociada con este procedimiento aborda una brecha crítica de conocimiento.El objetivo de este estudio fue revisar nuestra experiencia institucional con la extirpación de la bolsa con un enfoque en las indicaciones, los resultados a corto plazo y las tasas de reintervención a largo plazo.Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo.Hospital Mt Sinaí, Toronto, Ontario, Canadá.Pacientes adultos registrados en la base de datos de EII mantenida prospectivamente con un diagnóstico de falla de la bolsa pélvica entre 1991 y 2018.Escisión de bolsa pélvica.Las indicaciones para la escisión, la incidencia de complicaciones a corto y largo plazo y la reintervención quirúrgica a largo plazo fueron los resultados primarios valorados. Además, se ajustaron modelos de regresión logística multivariable para identificar predictores de complicaciones de la herida perineal crónica y el efecto de la derivación preoperatoria. También se evaluó el valor predictivo positivo de una sospecha clínica de enfermedad de Crohn de la bolsa.Se identificaron 140 casos. El 59% de los pacientes desarrollaron complicaciones a corto plazo y el 49,3% con morbilidad tardía. En general, 1/3 de los pacientes requirieron una reoperación a largo plazo relacionada con complicaciones de herida perineal, estoma y hernia. En la regresión multivariable, la inmunosupresión se asoció con mayores probabilidades de complicaciones de la herida perineal y la derivación preoperatoria no se asoció con la cicatrización de la herida perineal. La enfermedad de Crohn se sospechó en 24 pacientes antes de la operación, pero se confirmó por histopatología en solo 6 pacientes.Revisión retrospectiva del cuadro de la experiencia de una sola institución por la cual las tasas de complicaciones pueden ser subestimadas de las tasas de eventos reales.La escisión de la bolsa se asocia con una alta morbilidad postoperatoria y una reintervención a largo plazo debido a complicaciones de heridas perineales, complicaciones del estoma y hernias. Se requieren más estudios para aclarar las estrategias de reducción de riesgos para limitar las complicaciones de la herida perineal y la selección adecuada de pacientes para la derivación sola versus la escisión de la bolsa en caso de falla de reservorio ileoanal. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B348.

Abdominal Pain in a Patient With Diverted Bowel and Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Patients with medically refractory inflammatory bowel disease may undergo total proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. However, fecal diversion is necessary in patients with pouch failure. We present a rare case of pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) in a patient with ulcerative colitis with a history of ileal pouch-anal anastomosis complicated by chronic pouchitis requiring fecal diversion via loop ileostomy. The PLA was managed with computed tomography-guided aspiration drainage and antibiotics, followed by permanent ileostomy and pouch excision to prevent recurrence of PLA. This is the first case report of PLA in a patient with ulcerative colitis with a long-standing history of diversion pouchitis.

Recommendations of the Spanish Working Group on Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis (GETECCU) on pouchitis in ulcerative colitis. Part 2: Treatment

Pouchitis treatment is a complex entity that requires a close medical and surgical relationship. The elective treatment for acute pouchitis is antibiotics. After a first episode of pouchitis it is recommended prophylaxis therapy with a probiotic mix, nevertheless it is not clear the use of this formulation for preventing a first episode of pouchitis after surgery. First-line treatment for chronic pouchitis is an antibiotic combination. The next step in treatment should be oral budesonide. Selected cases of severe, chronic refractory pouchitis may benefit from biologic agents, and anti-TNF α should be recommended as the first option, leaving the new biologicals for multi-refractory patients. Permanent ileostomy may be an option in severe refractory cases to medical treatment.

Diverted versus undiverted restorative proctocolectomy for chronic ulcerative colitis: an analysis of long-term outcomes after pouch leak short title: outcomes after pouch leak

BACKGROUND

The safety of undiverted restorative proctocolectomy (RPC) is debated. This study compares long-term outcomes after pouch leak in diverted and undiverted RPC patients.

METHODS

Data were obtained from a prospectively maintained registry from a single surgical practice. One-stage and staged procedures with an undiverted pouch were considered undiverted pouches; all others were considered diverted pouches. The outcomes measured were pouch excision and long-term diversion defined as the need for loop ileostomy at 200 weeks after pouch creation. Regression models were used to compare outcomes.

RESULTS

There were 317 diverted and 670 undiverted pouches, of which 378 were one-stage procedures. Pouch leaks occurred in 135 patients, 92 (13.7%) after undiverted, and 43 (13.6%) after diverted pouches. Eighty-six (64%) leaks were diagnosed within 6 months of pouch creation. Undiverted patients underwent more emergent procedures within 30 days of pouch creation (p < 0.01). Pouch excision occurred in 14 (33%) diverted patients and 13 (14%) undiverted patients (p = 0.01). Thirteen (32%) diverted patients and 18 (21%) undiverted patients (p = 0.17) had ileostomies at 200 weeks after surgery. In multivariable analyses, diverted patients had a higher risk of pouch excision (HR 3.67 p < 0.01), but similar rates of ileostomy at 200 weeks (HR 1.8, p = 0.19) compared to undiverted patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite a likely selection bias in which "healthier" patients undergo an undiverted pouch, our data suggest that diversion does not prevent pouch excision and the need for long-term diversion after pouch leak. These findings suggest that undiverted RPC is a safe procedure in appropriately selected patients.

Ileal Pouch Excision: A Contemporary Observational Cohort

BACKGROUND

Pouch excision is required for many of those patients experiencing pouch failure in whom ileostomy alone is inadequate and revision surgery is not appropriate. The published rate of pouch failure is approximately 10% at 10 years, resulting in a growing cohort of patients requiring excision.

OBJECTIVE

In this article, we aim to describe the indications for excision and postoperative outcomes at our center since 2004.

DESIGN

This is a retrospective observational study.

SETTINGS

This study was conducted at a tertiary referral center for ileal pouch dysfunction. Cases were documented from 2004 to 2017.

PATIENTS

The cohort comprised 92 patients; 83% were diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, 15% with familial adenomatous polyposis, and 2% with indeterminate colitis.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients underwent excision of pelvic ileal pouches.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcomes measured were the time to perineal wound healing and healing at 6 months. Thirty- and 90-day morbidity and mortality were evaluated.

RESULTS

Postoperative histology was consistent with Crohn's disease in 1 patient. The median time from pouch creation to excision was 7 years. The rate of perineal wound healing at 6 months was 78%, and regression analysis demonstrated significantly improved chances of healing for noninfective indications for excision (p = 0.023; OR, 15.22; 95% CI, 1.45-160.27) and for more recent procedures (p = 0.032; OR, 12.00; 95% CI, 1.87-76.87).

LIMITATIONS

This study was limited because it was retrospective in nature, and it was a single-center experience.

CONCLUSIONS

This study represents the most contemporary cohort of patients undergoing pouch excision surgery. The procedure retains a relatively high postoperative morbidity, but this study demonstrates a learning curve with improving perineal healing over time associated with a high institutional volume. Defunctioning ileostomy may improve perineal wound healing in patients with infective indications for excision. Further investigation is required to establish the quality-of-life benefits of pouch excision in this modern cohort. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A804.

The Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland consensus guidelines in surgery for inflammatory bowel disease

AIM

There is a requirement of an expansive and up to date review of surgical management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can dovetail with the medical guidelines produced by the British Society of Gastroenterology.

METHODS

Surgeons who are members of the ACPGBI with a recognised interest in IBD were invited to contribute various sections of the guidelines. They were directed to produce a procedure based document using literature searches that were systematic, comprehensible, transparent and reproducible. Levels of evidence were graded. An editorial board was convened to ensure consistency of style, presentation and quality. Each author was asked to provide a set of recommendations which were evidence based and unambiguous. These recommendations were submitted to the whole guideline group and scored. They were then refined and submitted to a second vote. Only those that achieved >80% consensus at level 5 (strongly agree) or level 4 (agree) after 2 votes were included in the guidelines.

RESULTS

All aspects of surgical care for IBD have been included along with 157 recommendations for management.

CONCLUSION

These guidelines provide an up to date and evidence based summary of the current surgical knowledge in the management of IBD and will serve as a useful practical text for clinicians performing this type of surgery.

Characterization of megapouch in patients with restorative proctocolectomy

BACKGROUND

Megapouch is a rare functional complication of restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis characterized by pouch ± small bowel dilatation with no evidence of obstruction on endoscopy and imaging. Little is known about clinical characteristics and outcomes of this entity.

METHODS

We included all patients diagnosed with megapouch at our institution, identified from a pouch database. Data on baseline characteristics, management, and outcomes were documented and analyzed from electronic medical records. Appropriate statistical measures were used. p < 0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

Twenty-three patients with megapouch were identified. The mean age was 40.7 years; 95.6% had underlying ulcerative colitis; most common indication for colectomy was medically refractory disease (56.5%). Abdominal pain (82.6%) and bloating (52.2%) were most common presenting symptoms. Most common finding on pouchoscopy was pouch dilatation (81.8%), while barium or gastrografin enemas and MRI/CT mostly revealed dilatation of pouch and/or small bowel. Fourteen (66.7%) patients required some forms of surgery-six patients required pouch excision and three required either pouch redo or revision. Rates of pouch failure and IBD-related 1-year hospitalization were higher among patients managed surgically versus those managed medically (p = 0.007 and 0.024, respectively), while need for escalation of IBD-therapy was comparable between the groups (p = 0.133). No deaths were reported and no patient had recurrence of megapouch. IPAA revision or redo did not lead to more IBD-related morbidity.

CONCLUSIONS

Majority of our patients with megapouch required surgery. In selected patients, redo pouch offered cure. Rates of pouch failure and IBD-related 1-year hospitalization were higher among patients managed surgically.

Pouch excision: indications and outcomes

AIM

Restorative proctocolectomy with ileal-pouch anal anastomosis is the procedure of choice for ulcerative colitis. Unfortunately, up to 10% of pouches will fail, requiring either reconstruction or excision. While several series have reported on the aetiology of pouch failure, no study to date has focused on the postoperative complications associated with pouch excision.

METHODS

Patients who had excision of ileoanal reservoir with ileostomy (CPT code 45136) were included. Data abstracted included preoperative, operative and postoperative variables. A Kaplan-Meier curve of pouch survival was performed.

RESULTS

In all, 147 patients met the inclusion criteria for the study. The median age of patients was 47 years (73 women), and 132 had a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis at the time of colectomy. The most common indications for pouch excision were sepsis (n = 46; 31%) and Crohn's disease (n = 37; 25%). 84 (57%) patients experienced short-term (< 30 days) postoperative complications, the most common of which was a surgical site infection (n = 32; 21%); 55 (37%) patients had long-term complications (> 30 days) postoperatively, the most common of which was a return to the operating room (n = 19; 13%) largely for perineal wounds. Thirty-day mortality was zero. 4.8%, 47.6%, 65.3% and 84.4% of patients had undergone pouch excision by 1, 5, 10 and 20 years from the time of pouch construction, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Pouch excision has a high rate of both short- and long-term postoperative complications. Patients should be appropriately counselled to set expectations accordingly. In view of these findings we suggest that this operation should ideally be performed at a high volume centre with the availability of a multidisciplinary surgical team.

The Failed J Pouch

The development and refinement of proctectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) since its introduction in the 1970s has made it the optimal procedure of choice in patients with chronic ulcerative colitis and patients with familial adenomatous polyposis. However, it is a procedure that can be associated with significant morbidity. Pouch failure due to infection, mechanical, or functional disability represents a challenge to both surgeon and patient. Practicing surgeons who deal with revisional pouch surgery face a variety of intraoperative, postoperative, and reoperative challenges. Success requires a strategy that includes critical planning, preparation, specialized surgical techniques, and experience to achieve long-term success, minimize the adverse consequences of IPAA-related complications, and ensure solutions and hope to patients.

Challenges in the Medical and Surgical Management of Chronic Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease patients will likely come to the surgeon's attention at some point in their course of disease, and they present several unique anatomic, metabolic, and physiologic challenges. Specific and well-recognized complications of chronic Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis are presented as well as an organized and evidence-based approach to the medical and surgical management of such disease sequelae. Topics addressed in this article include intestinal fistula and short bowel syndrome, pouch complications, and deep venous thrombosis with emphasis placed on optimization of the patient's physiologic state for best outcomes.

Ileo-anal pouch excision: A review of indications and outcomes

Restorative proctocolectomy (RP) is the surgical treatment of choice for ulcerative colitis (UC) and patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). A devastating complication for both patient and surgeon is failure of the pouch that requires excision. There is currently no single paper in the literature that consolidates the indications for ileo-anal pouch excision and the subsequent outcomes following this procedure. A literature search was carried out to identify articles on RP and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. The main search terms used were “RP”; “ileal pouch-anal anastomosis” or “ileal reservoir” or “ileal pouch”; “failure of ileal pouch-anal anastomosis” and “excision of ileal pouch-anal anastomosis”. The search was completed using electronic databases MEDLINE, PubMed and EMBASE from 1975 to June 2014. Characteristics of patients with pouch failure differ between institutions. Reported overall excision rates of the pouches vary and in this review ranged from 0.93% to 12.8%. Age and lower institutional volume (less than 3.3 cases) were independent predictors of pouch failure; however surgeon case load was not. The main reasons identified for excision are sepsis (early cause), Crohn’s disease and poor functional outcomes (both late causes). Pouch cancers in UC and FAP are still rare but 135 cases exist in the literature. The most common complication following excision is persistent perineal sinus. The decision to excise a pouch should not be taken lightly and an awareness of the technical pitfalls and complications that can occur should be fully appreciated.

Factors affecting the fate of faecal diversion in patients with perianal Crohn's disease

AIM

A study was carried out with the aim of identifying potential factors which might influence the fate of patients undergoing faecal diversion by stoma in perianal Crohn's disease.

METHOD

Patients with severe perianal Crohn's disease undergoing faecal diversion between 1994 and 2012 were identified and the factors associated with stoma closure were assessed using univariate and multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

Of 138 diverted patients, 30 (22%) achieved stoma closure, 45 (33%) had a stoma with the rectum left in situ and 63 (45%) underwent proctectomy with permanent stoma formation after a mean follow-up of 5.7 years. Univariate analysis demonstrated that synchronous colonic (P = 0.004) or rectal (P = 0.021) disease involvement and an increased frequency of loose seton placement (P = 0.001) adversely affected successful stoma closure rates. Multivariate analysis indicated a significant association between the inability to achieve stoma closure and persisting rectal involvement (OR 7.5, 95% CI 2.4-33.4), one or two placements of a loose seton (OR 3.3, 95% CI 1.4-8.8) and more than two placements (OR 6.9, 95% CI 1.2-132.5). No specific medical management was associated with an improved stoma closure rate, including biological agents when these were available (P = 0.25).

CONCLUSION

The fate of temporary faecal diversion in patients with perianal Crohn's disease is adversely affected by aggressive disease characteristics. No particular treatment, including biological therapy, was associated with an improved outcome.

Perineal wound healing following ileoanal pouch excision

INTRODUCTION

There is paucity of information relating to perineal wound healing when pouch failure after ileal pouch anal anastomosis necessitates pouch excision (PE). The aim of this study is to evaluate perineal healing and factors associated with the development of persistent perineal sinus (PPS) after PE.

METHODS

Perineal wound-related outcomes for patients who underwent PE from 1985-2009 were evaluated by type of closure (extrasphincteric, intersphincteric, and sphincter-preserving (SP)) and other factors (presence of Crohn's disease (CD) and/or perineal fistulae). Primary outcomes were PPS and delayed healing (healing after PPS development).

RESULTS

One hundred ten patients (CD 48 %) underwent PE. PPS occurred in 39.8 % patients, 51 % had delayed perineal healing with further procedures, with an overall healing rate of 80.7 %. Closure technique was not associated with PPS (p = 0.37) or eventual healing (p = 0.94). For CD patients, risk of PPS (41 vs. 39 %, p = 0.83) and delayed healing (44 vs. 59 %, p = 0.61) was similar to non-CD patients, but uncomplicated healing took longer (p = 0.04). Four of 15 (26.7 %) patients who underwent SP closure developed PPS; all eventually healed with secondary sphincter excision.

CONCLUSIONS

Perineal healing may be prolonged after pouch excision. Since eventual healing can be achieved in most patients, perineal dissection and closure can be tailored to the individual circumstance. Sphincter preservation may be used in non-CD patients if future reconstruction is possible. Extrasphincteric closure is preferable with cancer or perineal sepsis. Sphincter resection allows for complete healing in patients who undergo SP dissection and develop PPS.

Quality of life following ileoanal pouch failure

This article describes a novel qualitative study exploring the lived experience of participants having undergone ileoanal pouch failure, on a background of ulcerative colitis (UC). It focuses on the impact of living with indefinite diversion of the pouch and a permanent end ileostomy. Six participants were interviewed with an aim to establish their experience of pouch failure and the support they required. Five pertinent themes emerged that suggested participants did not expect pouch failure and were unprepared for the regression towards UC. Some participants recommenced drug therapy, wore pads to manage leakage from the diverted pouch, avoided certain social settings or manipulated diet and lifestyle in order to gain an acceptable quality of life with a permanent ileostomy. Pouch failure potentially presents adverse effects on patients' quality of life, but currently there is a deficit in support and resources available in order to provide acceptable outcomes for patients experiencing pouch failure.

Considerations and complications in patients undergoing ileal pouch anal anastomosis

Total proctocolectomy with ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) preserves fecal continence as an alternative to permanent end ileostomy in select patients with ulcerative colitis and familial adenomatous polyposis. The procedure is technically demanding, and surgical complications may arise. This article outlines both the early and late complications that can occur after IPAA, as well as the workup and management of these potentially morbid conditions.