Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis: the Australasian experience

The Effect of Non-pooled Multidonor Faecal Microbiota Transplantation for Inducing Clinical Remission in Patients with Chronic Pouchitis: Results from a Multicentre, Randomised, Double-blinded, Placebo-controlled Trial [MicroPouch]

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

To investigate if treatment with non-pooled, multidonor faecal microbiota transplantation [FMT] for 4 weeks was superior to placebo to induce clinical remission in patients with chronic pouchitis.

METHODS

The study was a randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study with a 4-week intervention period and 12-month follow-up. Eligible patients with chronic pouchitis were recruited from five Danish hospitals. Participants were randomised to non-pooled, multidonor FMT derived from four faecal donors, or placebo. Treatment was delivered daily by enema for 2 weeks, followed by every second day for 2 weeks. Disease severity was accessed at inclusion and 30-day follow-up, using the Pouchitis Disease Activity Index [PDAI]; PDAI <7 was considered equivalent to clinical remission. Faecal samples from participants and donors were analysed by shotgun metagenomic sequencing.

RESULTS

Inclusion was stopped after inclusion of 30 participants who were randomised 1:1 for treatment with FMT or placebo. There was no difference in participants achieving clinical remission between the two groups at 30-day follow-up, relative risk 1.0 (95% CI [0.55; 1.81]). Treatment with FMT resulted in a clinically relevant increase in adverse events compared with placebo, incidence rate ratio 1.67 (95% CI [1.10; 2.52]); no serious adverse events within either group. Faecal microbiota transplantation statistically significantly increased the similarity of participant faecal microbiome to the faecal donor microbiome at 30-day follow-up [p = 0.01], which was not seen after placebo.

CONCLUSIONS

Non-pooled, multidonor FMT was comparable to placebo in inducing clinical remission in patients with chronic pouchitis, but showed a clinically relevant increase in adverse events compared with placebo. ClincialTrials.gov number, NCT04100291.

Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis provides good functional and quality of life outcomes following proctocolectomy: A 33-year single centre experience

BACKGROUND

Restorative proctocolectomy (RP) with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) remains the gold standard for the surgical management of patients with medically refractive mucosal ulcerative colitis. We aimed to identify functional and quality of life (QOL) outcomes in RP and IPAA surgery patients at our institution.

METHODS

A retrospective observational study was performed including all patients who had undergone RP and IPAA between August 1984 and November 2017 at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (RPAH).

RESULTS

316 consecutive patients were identified, median age 39 (range 5 to 81) years. The median duration of disease was 60 (range 1 to 528) months. Ulcerative colitis was the main preoperative diagnosis with the main RP indication being failure of medical treatment. The median postoperative stay post-IPAA was 11 (range of 5 to 67) days. Pouchitis was the most common late complication (22.1%), bleeding pouch (3.5%) the earliest, with a 6.8% rate of symptomatic anastomotic leak. Visual analogue scale QOL measure (P-value <0.001), St Marks incontinence score (P-value = 0.001) and Cleveland clinic score (P-value = 0.002) all revealed significant improvement in functional outcomes and QOL.

CONCLUSION

QOL and functional outcomes following RP with IPAA in patients at our institution are excellent and comparable to institutions with larger patient numbers.

Population outcomes, trends and the future of pouch surgery for ulcerative colitis: a 19-year New South Wales data linkage study

BACKGROUND

Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) is considered the gold standard reconstructive option in ulcerative colitis (UC). Recent efforts to improve pouch outcomes have seen a push towards centralisation of surgery. This study aimed to document outcomes following pouch surgery at a population level within New South Wales (NSW), and identify factors associated with, and temporal trends of these outcomes.

METHODS

A retrospective data linkage study of the NSW population over a 19-year period was performed. The primary outcome was pouch failure in patients with UC who underwent IPAA. The influence of hospital level factors (including annual volume) and patient demographic variables on this outcome were assessed using Cox proportional hazards modelling. Temporal trends in annual volume and evidence for centralisation over the studied period were assessed using Poisson regression analysis.

RESULTS

The annual volume of UC pouches reduced over the study period. The pouch failure rates were 8.6% (95% CI 6.3-10.8%) and 10.6% (95% CI 8.0-13.1%) at 5- and 10-years, respectively. Increasing age and non-elective admission were associated with higher failure rates. One-third of UC pouches (31.6%) were performed in a single institution, which averaged 6.5 pouches/year throughout the study period. Three-quarters (19/25) of NSW public hospitals who performed pouches performed less than one UC pouch annually.

CONCLUSIONS

The outcomes following UC pouch surgery in NSW are comparable with global standards. Concentrating IBD pouch surgery with the aim of producing specialist surgical teams may be a reasonable way forward in NSW and would ensure equity of access and facilitate research and training collaboration.

Curable leakage in stapled IPAA has little effect on the long-term pouch function

PURPOSE

This study aimed to evaluate the frequency and grade of anastomotic leakage (AL) in stapled ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) and its long-term impact on the pouch functions.

METHODS

A longitudinal cohort study was conducted on UC patients who underwent stapled IPAA at Yokohama City University Medical Center between 2007 and 2018. The diagnosis and grading of AL were performed in accordance with the recommendations of the International Study Group of Rectal Cancer. We assessed the functional pouch rate, late complication, pouch survival rate, bowel function (bowel movements per day, soiling, spotting, difficulty in distinguishing feces from flatus) and pouch inflammation (pouchitis disease activity index; PDAI) in the long-term period.

RESULTS

Two hundred seventy-six patients were analyzed. Twenty-three (8.3%; grade B/C; 13/10) patients were diagnosed with AL, but a functional pouch was achieved in all the twenty-three patients. Anastomotic stricture was significantly more common in patients with AL (AL group) than in patients without AL (non-AL group; AL/non-AL: 13.0/3.2%, p = 0.020). There were no differences in other late complications. Furthermore, the pouch survival rate did not differ between the AL and non-AL groups (100.0/97.9%/10 years, p = 0.494). There were no differences between the groups in bowel movements per day, spotting, soling, difficulty in distinguishing feces from flatus, or PDAI postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

Curable AL may not affect late complications (except anastomotic stricture), pouch survival, the bowel function, or pouch inflammation over the long term. Perioperative management to prevent the severity of AL is as important as preventing its occurrence.

Association of ileocolic pedicle division with postoperative complications after restorative proctocolectomy and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for ulcerative colitis

Background

When performing a restorative proctocolectomy (RPC) with an ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA), it is common practice to divide the ileocolic artery (ICA) if the patient has a tumor or dysplasia, or in order to gain sufficient length to secure a tension-free anastomosis. However, it is unclear whether there is an association between division of the ICA and the rate of postoperative complications.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed all patients with ulcerative colitis who underwent RPC and IPAA in our department between January 2010 and December 2016. These were divided in two groups, with regard to the ICA being preserved (PRE group) or divided (DIV group). Complications such as stenosis or leakage of the IPAA, perianal fistulas, abscess formation within the lesser pelvis and pouchitis were analysed and compared between both groups.

Results

We identified 130 patients meeting the study inclusion criteria, 49 patients in the PRE and 81 patients in the DIV group. No statistical significance was observed in IPAA leakages (p = 0.71), anastomotic strictures (p = 0.33), fistulas (p = 0.19) and pouchitis (p = 0.72). Abscess formation frequency was similar in both groups (p > 0.99). Moreover, short-term (p = 0.53) and long-term complications (p = 0.11) were similar in both groups. A higher conversion rate was observed in obese (p = 0.006) and male (p = 0.02) patients. Within the entire study population, fistulas and IPAA leakages were associated with a higher rate of anastomotic strictures (p = 0.008 and p = 0.02 respectively).

Conclusion

Our data suggest similar IPAA related complications after either division or preservation of the ICA. Further trials are required in order to examine the trends observed in this study.

Anastomotic leak does not affect long-term and longitudinal functional outcomes after ileal pouch surgery for ulcerative colitis when managed aggressively

BACKGROUND

Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) is an effective surgical alternative to a permanent ileostomy following proctocolectomy in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). Anastomotic leakage (AL) is a serious postoperative complication of an intestinal anastomosis that is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the longitudinal long-term functional outcomes of patients who had IPAA that was complicated by AL.

METHODS

A retrospective longitudinal cohort study was performed of patients who had an IPAA procedure at a tertiary referral centre and a metropolitan private centre in Australia, over a 14-year period (October 2003-October 2017). The long-term functional outcome was assessed using objective clinical measures such as the number of bowel motions during the day and overnight, ability to defer defaecation and the presence of faecal incontinence, and repeated at annual intervals.

RESULTS

A total of 138 patients [mean age 38.5 (± 16.9) years, 72 males] satisfied the inclusion criteria. AL was diagnosed in 14 (10%) patients [mean age 38.8 (± 17) years, 10 males], 11 (79%) of which were managed with surgery. The median bowel motion frequency during the day and overnight remained stable over a median of 62 (28-91) months follow-up, with no significant difference between those who had AL or not (p = 0.6, p = 0.1 respectively). The incidence of faecal incontinence remained low, and the majority of patients in both groups were able to defer defaecation for more than 60 min. Six patients (4.3%) had their pouch excised.

CONCLUSIONS

There is no statistical difference in longitudinal function between patients who experienced AL after IPAA surgery for UC compared with those who did not. Therefore, an acute AL does not negatively impact long-term functional outcomes in IPAA patients.

Ileal-anal pouches: A review of its history, indications, and complications

The ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) has revolutionised the surgical management of ulcerative colitis (UC) and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Despite refinement in surgical technique(s) and patient selection, IPAA can be associated with significant morbidity. As the IPAA celebrated its 40^th anniversary in 2018, this review provides a timely outline of its history, indications, and complications. IPAA has undergone significant modification since 1978. For both UC and FAP, IPAA surgery aims to definitively cure disease and prevent malignant degeneration, while providing adequate continence and avoiding a permanent stoma. The majority of patients experience long-term success, but “early” and “late” complications are recognised. Pelvic sepsis is a common early complication with far-reaching consequences of long-term pouch dysfunction, but prompt intervention (either radiological or surgical) reduces the risk of pouch failure. Even in the absence of sepsis, pouch dysfunction is a long-term complication that may have a myriad of causes. Pouchitis is a common cause that remains incompletely understood and difficult to manage at times. 10% of patients succumb to the diagnosis of pouch failure, which is traditionally associated with the need for pouch excision. This review provides a timely outline of the history, indications, and complications associated with IPAA. Patient selection remains key, and contraindications exist for this surgery. A structured management plan is vital to the successful management of complications following pouch surgery.

A systematic review and meta-analysis comparing adverse events and functional outcomes of different pouch designs after restorative proctocolectomy

AIM

There is no consensus as to which ileoanal pouch design provides better outcomes after restorative proctocolectomy. This study compares different pouch designs.

METHOD

A systematic review of the literature was performed. A random effects meta-analytical model was used to compare adverse events and functional outcome.

RESULTS

Thirty comparative studies comparing J, W, S and K pouch designs were included. No significant differences were identified between the different pouch designs with regard to anastomotic dehiscence, anastomotic stricture, pelvic sepsis, wound infection, pouch fistula, pouch ischaemia, perioperative haemorrhage, small bowel obstruction, pouchitis and sexual dysfunction. The W and K designs resulted in fewer cases of pouch failure compared with the J and S designs. J pouch construction resulted in a smaller maximum pouch volume compared with W and K pouches. Stool frequency per 24 h and during daytime was higher following a J pouch than W, S or K constructions. The J design resulted in increased faecal urgency and seepage during daytime compared with the K design. The use of protective pads during daytime and night-time was greater with a J pouch compared to S or K. The use of antidiarrhoeal medication was greater after a J reservoir than a W reservoir. Difficulty in pouch evacuation requiring intubation was higher with an S pouch than with W or J pouches.

CONCLUSION

Despite its ease of construction and comparable complication rates, the J pouch is associated with higher pouch failure rates and worse function. Patient characteristics, technical factors and surgical expertise should be considered when choosing pouch design.

Restorative proctocolectomy with two different pouch designs: few complications with good function

AIM

The object of this study was to compare function and quality of life after restorative proctocolectomy (RPC) with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) surgery having two different pouch designs.

METHOD

Patients having RPC in an academic unit from 2000 who had had the loop-ileostomy closed by June 2013 were identified from the hospital medical records. They were sent a questionnaire regarding quality of life and interviewed using a pouch function score (PFS) described by Oresland (score 0-16, higher scores denote worse function).

RESULTS

One hundred and three patients underwent surgery, of whom 56 had a J-pouch design and 47 a K-pouch design, this being a double-folded Kock pouch without the nipple valve. No patients have had the pouch removed or defunctioned due to failure at a mean of 8 years. The reoperation rate was 11.6%. The mean PFS was 5.43 and 5.27 for J- and K-pouches, respectively (P = 0.766). More patients with a J-pouch reported a social handicap due to poor bowel function (P = 0.041). Patients with a PFS ≥ 8 had a poorer quality of life. A score of ≥ 8 was reported by 16% of K-pouch and 25% of J-pouch patients (P = 0.29).

CONCLUSION

RPC is a safe procedure with a low complication rate and good functional outcome. Small improvements in function have an impact on a patient's quality of life. Although the J-pouch is the most commonly used, the K-pouch has some advantages. Other pouch designs deserve further evaluation.

Pouchitis after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis in ulcerative colitis: Diagnosis, management, risk factors, and incidence

Restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis has been the surgical treatment of choice for patients with ulcerative colitis who require surgery. Quality of life after this procedure is satisfactory in most cases; however, pouchitis is a troublesome condition involving inflammation of the ileal pouch. When a patient presents with symptoms of pouchitis, such as increased bowel movements, mucous and/or bloody exudates, abdominal cramps, and fever, endoscopy is essential for a precise diagnosis. The proximal ileum and rectal cuff, as well as the ileal pouch, should be endoscopically observed. The reported incidence of pouchitis ranges from 14% to 59%, and antibiotic therapy is the primary treatment for acute pouchitis. Chronic pouchitis includes antibiotic-dependent and refractory pouchitis. Intensive therapy including antitumor necrosis factor antibodies and steroids may be necessary for antibiotic-refractory pouchitis, and pouch failure may occur despite such intensive treatment. Reported risk factors for the development of pouchitis include presence of extraintestinal manifestations, primary sclerosing cholangitis, non-smoking, and postoperative non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug usage. In the present review, we focus on the diagnosis, endoscopic features, management, incidence, and risk factors of pouchitis in patients with ulcerative colitis who underwent ileal pouch-anal anastomosis.

Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis 20 years later: is it still a good surgical option for patients with ulcerative colitis?

PURPOSE

Short-term results after ileo-pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) are well established; data are conflicting in long-standing patients. We retrospectively evaluated long-term complications and functional results after follow-up longer than 20 years.

METHODS

Two hundred five patients with follow-up longer than 20 years have been identified out of 1112 IPAA performed in our institution; of these, 20 cases were lost at follow-up or decline to take part at the study. We evaluated long-term complications and failure rate also according to changes in histological diagnosis. Changes in functional results and quality of life (QoL) were analyzed at 5 and 20 years after IPAA.

RESULTS

Pouch failure rate was 10.8 % (35 % due to misdiagnosed Crohn). Incidences of fistulas, anastomotic stenosis, chronic pouchitis, and pre-pouch ileitis were 17.3, 12.9, 28.6, and 7.6 %, respectively. Most of the patients reported good functional outcomes. Day-time evacuations at 5 and after 20 years were 4.3 and 4.8 (p = n.s.) while during night-time were 0.8 and 1.2 (p < 0.05). Urgency was 6 and 9.4 % (p = n.s.), respectively; need of antimotility drugs was 16 and 35 % (p < 0.001). Dietary limitations and work restrictions were similar over time. Only sexuality got worse during follow-up. Satisfaction for surgery was always high and it did not change over time.

CONCLUSION

IPAA is still an excellent surgical option for UC with a low rate of pouch failure even after more than 20 years. Despite a slight worsening of functional results over time, the QoL remained high and most patients expressed satisfaction with the procedure and were willing to recommend it to others.

Safety, feasibility, and short-term outcomes in 588 patients undergoing minimally invasive ileal pouch-anal anastomosis: a single-institution experience

PURPOSE

A laparoscopic approach to proctocolectomy and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) in patients with chronic ulcerative colitis and familial adenomatous polyposis has grown in popularity secondary to reports of small series demonstrating short-term patient benefits. Limited data exist in large numbers of patients undergoing laparoscopic ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (L-IPAA). We aimed to analyze surgical outcomes in a large cohort of patients undergoing L-IPAA.

METHODS

From a prospectively maintained surgical database, 30-day surgical outcome data were reviewed for all L-IPAA performed for chronic ulcerative colitis and familial adenomatous polyposis from 1999 to 2012. Demographics, operative approach, and operative and postoperative complications were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 588 L-IPAA ileal pouch-anal anastomoses were performed predominantly for chronic ulcerative colitis (93.9 %). The mean age was 36.2 years, and 54.3 % were male, with a mean BMI of 24.1 kg/m(2). Three-stage operations were performed in 17.7 %. The mean operating time of the patients excluding 3-stage operation was 269.4 min. Minimally invasive techniques included hand-assist in 55 % and straight laparoscopy in 45 %. Conversion to open occurred in 8.8 %. Median length of stay was 5 days. There was no mortality. Complications occurred in 36.9 % of patients: Clavien grade I (17.5 %), grade II (72.8 %), and grade III (9.7 %). Analysis of the grouped data over time demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in operative time (p < 0.001) and an increase in the ratio of hand-assisted over straight laparoscopy (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Minimally invasive IPAA performed using either a laparoscopic or hand-assisted technique is safe, can be performed with low conversion rates, and confers beneficial perioperative outcomes.

Surgical management of ulcerative colitis in the era of biologicals

PURPOSE

Proctocolectomy has been a curative option for patients with severe ulcerative colitis. In recent years, there has been a growing use of medical salvage therapy in the management of patients with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis. We aimed at reviewing the role of surgical management in a time of intensified medical management on the basis of published trial data. The aim was to determine the efficacy of aggressive medical versus surgical management in achieving multifaceted treatment goals.

METHODS

A comprehensive search of Pubmed, Medline, the Cochrane database was performed. Abstracts were evaluated for relevance. Selected articles were then reviewed in detail, including references. Recommendations were then drafted based on evidence and conclusions in the selected articles.

RESULTS

The majority of patients with UC will not need surgery. However, steroid-refractoriness and steroid-dependence signal a subset of patients with more challenging disease. Biological therapy has been shown to achieve short-term improvement and temporarily reduce the need for a colectomy. However, there is a substantial financial and medical price to pay because a high fraction of these salvaged patients will still need a curative colectomy but may be exposed to the negative impact of prolonged immunosuppression, chronic illness, and a higher probability to require 3 rather than 2 operations. Proctocolectomy with ileo-anal pouch anastomosis-performed in 1, 2, or 3 steps depending on the patient's condition-remains the surgical procedure of choice. Even though it has its share of possible complications, it has been associated with excellent long-term outcomes and high levels of satisfaction, such that in the majority of patients they become indistinguishable from unaffected normal individuals.

CONCLUSIONS

The current data demonstrate that use of medical salvage therapy in the treatment of UC will likely continue to grow and evolve. Consensus is being developed to better define and predict failure of medical therapy and clarify the role of the different treatment modalities. For many patients, sacrificing the nonresponsive diseased colon is an underused or unnecessarily delayed chance to normalize their health and life. Biologicals in many instances may have to be considered the bridge to that end.

Ileal pouch anal anastomosis: analysis of outcome and quality of life in 3707 patients

BACKGROUND

Ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) is the treatment of choice for chronic, medically refractory mucosal ulcerative colitis, indeterminate colitis, familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), and a select group of patients with Crohn's disease.

AIM

: We report outcomes, complications, and quality of life (QOL) in a cohort of 3707 patients treated at our institution from January 1984 to March 2010.

METHODS

Data were collected from a prospectively maintained database and chart review of 3707 consecutive primary IPAA cases. Patient demographics, postoperative complications, functional outcomes, and QOL data were available. Follow-up consisted of clinical examination with assessment of pouch function and QOL.

RESULTS

A total of 3707 patients underwent primary pouch and 328 underwent redo pouch surgery. Postoperative histopathological diagnoses were mucosal ulcerative colitis (n = 2953, 79.7%), indeterminate colitis (n = 63, 1.7%), FAP (n = 223, 6%), Crohn's disease (n = 150, 4%), cancer/dysplasia (n = 97, 2.6%), and others (n = 221, 6.0%). Early perioperative complications were encountered in 33.5% of patients with a mortality rate of 0.1%. Excluding pouchitis, late complications were experienced by 29.1% of patients. Of those patients who had IPAA at our institution, pouch failure occurred in 197 patients (5.3%). During a median follow-up of 84 months, 119 patients (3.2%) required excision of the pouch, 32 (0.8%) had a nonfunctioning pouch, and 46 patients (1.2%) had redo IPAA. Functional outcomes and QOL were good or excellent in 95% of patients and similar in each histopathological subgroup.

CONCLUSIONS

IPAA is an excellent option for patients with MUC, IC, FAP, and select patients with Crohn's disease.

Update of complications and functional outcome of the ileo-pouch anal anastomosis: overview of evidence and meta-analysis of 96 observational studies

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to provide a comprehensive update of the outcome of the ileo-pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA).

DATA SOURCES

An extensive search in PubMed, EMBASE, and The Cochrane Library was conducted.

STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION

All studies published after 2000 reporting on complications or functional outcome after a primary open IPAA procedure for UC or FAP were selected. Study characteristics, functional outcome, and complications were extracted.

DATA SYNTHESIS

A review with similar methodology conducted 10 years earlier was used to evaluate developments in outcome over time. Pooled estimates were compared using a random-effects logistic meta-analyzing technique. Analyses focusing on the effect of time of study conductance, centralization, and variation in surgical techniques were performed.

RESULTS

Fifty-three studies including 14,966 patients were included. Pooled rates of pouch failure and pelvic sepsis were 4.3% (95% CI, 3.5-6.3) and 7.5% (95% CI 6.1-9.1), respectively. Compared to studies published before 2000, a reduction of 2.5% was observed in the pouch failure rate (p = 0.0038). Analysis on the effect of the time of study conductance confirmed a decline in pouch failure. Functional outcome remained stable over time, with a 24-h defecation frequency of 5.9 (95% CI, 5.0-6.9). Technical surgery aspects did not have an important effect on outcome.

CONCLUSION

This review provides up to date outcome estimates of the IPAA procedure that can be useful as reference values for practice and research. It is also shows a reduction in pouch failure over time.

Laparoscopic restorative proctocolectomy: a 10-year experience of an evolving technique

AIM

Restorative proctocolectomy is the definitive procedure for ulcerative colitis. The potential benefits of a minimal invasive approach make it appropriate to consider this approach provided that there are no adverse effects. The aim of the present study was to report our experience of laparoscopic assisted and 'total' laparoscopic restorative proctocolectomy (LRPC) and to highlight the difficulties encountered and the functional results obtained.

METHOD

Electronic data were prospectively collected from all patients who underwent laparoscopic restorative proctocolectomy (LRPC) from October 1999 to April 2010.

RESULTS

Seventy-two (40 male) patients [median body mass index 24 (19-48) kg/m(2) ] underwent LRPC over 10 years. Three had cancer. Forty-two had undergone a previous colectomy (laparoscopic in 38). There were 40 W- and 32 J-pouch reconstructions; seven were single-port procedures. The median operation time was 210 (75-330) min. There were five (7%) conversions, one of which resulted in immediate pouch failure. The median time to full diet was 36 (4-168) h, with a median hospital stay of 7 (2-64) days. There were seven (10%) readmissions. Complications were immediate (3%), early (22%) and long term (11%). The incidence of failure (excision or indefinite diversion) was 2.7%. The stoma has been closed in 67 patients. Median frequency of defaecation was 4/24 h, with normal continence in 90% and the ability to defer during the day in 98%. There was no new case of impotence or dyspareunia.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic restorative proctocolectomy is safe and gives good results when performed by an experienced laparoscopic surgeon.

Single incision laparoscopic (SILS) restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis

BACKGROUND

Restorative proctocolectomy with ileoanal pouch is the definitive procedure in ulcerative colitis. The potential benefits afforded by a single incision laparoscopic (SILS) approach make it appropriate to consider.

METHODS

Electronic data were prospectively collected from all patients who underwent SILS restorative proctocolectomy (SILS-RPC) between June 2009 and June 2010.

RESULTS

Ten consecutive patients (4 male), with median BMI = 22 (range = 20-28 kg/m(2)) underwent SILS-LRPC over a 1-year period. Three had undergone a previous emergency laparoscopic colectomy. A single-port device (Covidien SILS™ or Olympus TriPort™) was positioned at the site of the existing or proposed temporary ileostomy (2.5-cm incision). The colon and rectum were extracted through the SILS site (n = 8) or transanally following a mucosectomy (n = 2). A 20-cm J pouch was constructed extracorporeally and returned via the ileostomy site. Pouch-anal anastomosis was performed intracorporeally (n = 8) or hand-sutured (n = 2) and a diverting loop ileostomy was created at the SILS port site. The median operation time was 185 min (range = 100-381). There were no conversions or additional ports required. Median time to full diet was 36 h (range = 4-48 h) with a median hospital stay of 3 days (range = 2-8 days). There were no 30-day readmissions. Complications included surgical emphysema with temperature and a panic attack. Nine stomas have been closed. All patients have spontaneity of defecation, with a median pouch frequency of four per day, including once at night. All are fully continent and able to defer during the day. One reported a dry ejaculate for 10 weeks.

CONCLUSION

SILS restorative proctocolectomy is safe with good early functional outcomes when performed by an experienced laparoscopic surgeon.

Anal fistula plug in high fistula-in-ano: an early Saudi experience

PURPOSE

The Surgisis AFP anal fistula plug is a bioabsorbable xenograft designed to assist in the closure of anorectal fistulas. Its efficacy was studied in a series of patients at King Khalid University Hospital, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

METHODS

Patients with chronic and/or complicated anorectal fistulas were prospectively studied. Diagnoses were made by clinical, radiographic, or endoscopic criteria. The number of fistula tracts (based on the number of primary openings) and the duration of draining setons was recorded. Under general anesthesia, patients underwent identification and irrigation of the fistula tracts using hydrogen peroxide. The anal fistula plug was used to occlude the primary opening for each high anal/anorectal fistula not amenable to fistulotomy. The plug was securely sutured into place at the primary opening using absorbable suture.

RESULTS

Twenty-two consecutive patients were prospectively enrolled. In total, 23 fistula tracts were treated. Three anorectal fistulas failed to close early in the study, but two failures were attributed to technical error. Both patients refused to undergo a second procedure. The third failure occurred because of recurrent Crohn's disease. After a mean follow-up of 12 months, 19 of the 23 fistula tracts remained successfully closed, for an overall success rate of 83%. There was no relationship between closure of the fistula and the presence of draining setons.

CONCLUSIONS

In our experience, closure of cryptoglandular anorectal fistula tracts using the Surgisis AFP anal fistula plug is safe and successful in 83% of fistula tracts at 12 months of follow-up.