Development of a core descriptor set for Crohn's anal fistula

AIM

Crohn's anal fistula (CAF) is a complex condition, with no agreement on which patient characteristics should be routinely reported in studies. The aim of this study was to develop a core descriptor set of key patient characteristics for reporting in all CAF research.

METHOD

Candidate descriptors were generated from published literature and stakeholder suggestions. Colorectal surgeons, gastroenterologists and specialist nurses in inflammatory bowel disease took part in three rounds of an international modified Delphi process using nine-point Likert scales to rank the importance of descriptors. Feedback was provided between rounds to allow refinement of the next ratings. Patterns in descriptor voting were assessed using principal component analysis (PCA). Resulting PCA groups were used to organize items in rounds two and three. Consensus descriptors were submitted to a patient panel for feedback. Items meeting predetermined thresholds were included in the final set and ratified at the consensus meeting.

RESULTS

One hundred and thirty three respondents from 22 countries completed round one, of whom 67.0% completed round three. Ninety seven descriptors were rated across three rounds in 11 PCA-based groups. Forty descriptors were shortlisted. The consensus meeting ratified a core descriptor set of 37 descriptors within six domains: fistula anatomy, current disease activity and phenotype, risk factors, medical interventions for CAF, surgical interventions for CAF, and patient symptoms and impact on quality of life.

CONCLUSION

The core descriptor set proposed for all future CAF research reflects characteristics important to gastroenterologists and surgeons. This might aid transparent reporting in future studies.

Bowel function and quality of life after superior mesenteric nerve plexus transection in right colectomy with D3 extended mesenterectomy

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to ascertain the impact of injury to the superior mesenteric nerve plexus caused by right colectomy with D3 extended mesenterectomy as performed in the prospective multicenter trial: "Safe Radical D3 Right Hemicolectomy for Cancer through Preoperative Biphasic Multi-detector Computed Tomography" in which all soft tissue surrounding the superior mesenteric vessels from the level of the middle colic artery to that of the ileocolic artery was removed.

METHODS

Bowel function and gastrointestinal quality of life in two consecutive cohorts that underwent right colectomy with and without D3 extended mesenterectomy were compared. Main outcome measures were the Diarrhea Assessment Scale (DAS) and Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI). The data were collected prospectively through telephone interviews.

RESULTS

Forty-nine patients per group, comparable for age, sex, length of bowel resected but with significantly shorter follow-up time in the experimental group, were included. There was no difference in total DAS scores, subscores or additional questions except for higher bowel frequency scores in the D3 group (p = 0.02). Comparison of total GIQLI scores and subscales showed no difference between groups. Regression analysis with correction for confounding factors showed 0.48 lower bowel frequency scores in the D2 group (p = 0.022). Within the D3 group presence of jejunal arteries cranial to the D3 dissection area showed 1.78 lower DAS scores and 0.7 lower bowel frequency scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Small bowel denervation after right colectomy with D3 extended mesenterectomy leads to increased bowel frequency but does not impact gastrointestinal quality of life. Individual anatomical variants can affect postoperative bowel function differently despite standardized surgery.

Complications in surgery for Crohn's disease after preoperative antitumour necrosis factor therapy

BACKGROUND

The use of biological therapy (biologicals) is established in the treatment of Crohn's disease. This study aimed to determine whether preoperative treatment with biologicals is associated with an increased rate of complications following surgery for Crohn's disease with intestinal anastomosis.

METHODS

All patients receiving biologicals and undergoing abdominal surgery with anastomosis or strictureplasty were identified at six tertiary referral centres. Demographic data, and preoperative, operative and postoperative details were registered. Patients who were treated with biologicals within 2 months before surgery were compared with a control group who were not. Postoperative complications were classified according to anastomotic, infectious or other complications, and graded according to the Clavien-Dindo classification.

RESULTS

Some 111 patients treated with biologicals within 2 months before surgery were compared with 187 patients in the control group. The groups were well matched. There were no differences between the treatment and control groups in the rate of complications of any type (34·2 versus 28·9 per cent respectively; P = 0·402), anastomotic complications (7·2 versus 8·0 per cent; P = 0·976) and non-anastomotic infectious complications (16·2 versus 13·9 per cent; P = 0·586). In univariable regression analysis, biologicals were not associated with an increased risk of any complication (odds ratio (OR) 1·33, 95 per cent confidence interval 0·81 to 2·20), anastomotic complication (OR 0·89, 0·37 to 2·17) or infectious complication (OR 1·09, 0·62 to 1·91).

CONCLUSION

Treatment with biologicals within 2 months of surgery for Crohn's disease with intestinal anastomosis was not associated with an increased risk of complications.

Transcutaneous implant evacuation system: a new approach to continent stoma construction

AIM

Several attempts have been made to construct a mechanical continent stoma without success. A system based on a titanium implant has been developed in an animal model. Following evaluation of this device in animals, the transcutaneous implant evacuation system (TIES) has now been tested in humans.

METHOD

The implant consists of a titanium cylinder including a mesh and a plastic cap. This design allows the intestine and subcutaneous tissue to grow into the device. Four patients with inflammatory bowel disease underwent surgery. The indications for surgery were malfunctioning pouches or skin problems around the stoma. Following abdominal surgery, implantation of the device was made behind the external fascia with diversion of the ileum through the device to create a permanent stoma.

RESULTS

Primary surgery was uncomplicated. Skin tissue growth into the implant was delayed in one case and one patient had impaired healing between intestine and the device. In these cases minor surgical correction was necessary. The tested cap design in the current device was inconvenient and needs to be further developed. No local infections occurred.

CONCLUSION

This first clinical study of the TIES device has shown few device-related complications and no significant safety concerns. In our experience bridging of connective tissue between the intestine and skin is crucial for healing. Further development of the lid, the implant and the implantation method within clinical trials is necessary before the device can be introduced in general practice.

Pouch design and long-term functional outcome after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis

BACKGROUND

Functional outcome is of utmost importance after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. Although pouch design and construction of the anastomosis are known technical determinants of function, there are few long-term results. This retrospective study evaluated functional outcome for two different pouch designs, and for handsewn versus stapled pouch-anal anastomoses.

METHODS

The analysis included 412 patients who had either a J or K pouch (double-folded J pouch), of whom 123 had a J pouch (96 handsewn and 27 stapled) and 289 had a K pouch (95 handsewn and 194 stapled). Functional outcome was evaluated by a mailed questionnaire to achieve an Oresland score (0 to 15; 15 worst).

RESULTS

Mean functional scores were 6.1 for J pouches and 4.9 for K pouches (P < 0.001). Regression analysis showed that reservoir design and age at surgery were predictors of functional outcome (P < 0.001). A higher proportion of patients with a J pouch and handsewn anastomosis than with a K pouch and stapled anastomosis had a score of 8 or more, a level previously demonstrated to impact negatively on quality of life (32 versus 16 per cent; P = 0.006).

CONCLUSION

The K pouch was associated with a better long-term functional outcome than the J pouch in this patient population.

Can a failed ileal pouch anal anastomosis be left in situ?

OBJECTIVE

Failure after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) is reported with a frequency of 10-20%. The failed IPAA can be excised or defunctioned. Indications for excision and further management of an indefinitely diverted pouch are poorly described. The aim of the present investigation was to investigate pouch-related problems and the histopathological pattern of the pouch mucosa in this group of patients.

METHOD

In a cohort of 620 patients having IPAA with a median follow-up of 14 years, 56 patients with failure were identified. The patients with defunctioned pouches were assessed with regard to pouch-related problems and endoscopy with biopsies was performed. Biopsies were stained with haematoxylin-eosin, PAS for neutral mucins and Alcian blue/high iron diamine for sialomucins/sulphomucins. Morphological changes were grouped into three types modified according to Veress and assessed for dysplasia.

RESULTS

Twenty-two patients with an indefinitely diverted pouch were found. The follow-up time after surgery for failure was 10 years. Thirteen patients completed the follow-up. Except for two patients with pelvic/perineal pain, there were no clinical problems. The majority of patients displayed mild to moderate macroscopic signs of inflammation. Morphologically, findings ranged from a preserved mucosal pattern to intense inflammatory reaction. No case of dysplasia or carcinoma was found.

CONCLUSION

Most patients with an indefinitely diverted pouch had no complaints regarding the pouch. There was no case of dysplasia. Indefinite diversion may be preferable to pouch excision, especially given the associated morbidity.

Long-term function and manovolumetric characteristics after ileal pouch–anal anastomosis for ulcerative colitis

Background

Long-term pouch function and physiological characteristics after ileal pouch–anal anastomosis (IPAA) are poorly described. The aim of this study was to undertake a prospective investigation of long-term pouch function and manovolumetric characteristics.

Methods

Forty-two patients with a median follow-up of 16 years after IPAA were included. Function was assessed using a questionnaire and a score was calculated ranging from 0 to 15 (15 being the worst). Manovolumetry was performed and pouchitis recorded. A paired analysis was conducted, as the results were compared with previous data for each patient.

Results

The median functional score was 3·5 (range 0–10) at 2 years and 5 (range 1–11) at 16 years (P = 0·013). Resting anal canal pressures were higher (P &lt; 0·001) and squeeze pressures lower (P = 0·008) at long-term follow-up. Ileal pouch volumes at distension pressures of 10, 20 and 40 cmH2O were diminished at 16 years (P &lt; 0·001, P = 0·005 and P = 0·058 respectively). The volume and pressure for first sensation and urge to defaecate were reduced. Increased age correlated positively with a poor functional score. A history of pouchitis did not affect functional or physiological characteristics.

Conclusion

Ileal pouch function declines in the long term. The reasons are unclear, but the ageing process may have an impact.

Review article: colon-saving medical therapy vs. colectomy in ulcerative colitis - the case for colectomy

In the era of expanding medical therapy for ulcerative colitis, surgery is still a very valid option in those patients, where medicine is not able to control symptoms, both in the acute and chronic stages, and also for those at risk of developing a cancer. The ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) will, for the vast majority of patients, give a very acceptable functional outcome. There is a risk of surgical complications and pouchitis; however, mortality is very low and compares well with medical therapy. Reduced female fertility is a concern but compared with the preoperative state, overall sexual function is largely improved. The ileorectal anastomosis is undergoing a revival and can be used especially in the case of female fertility concerns. Either the continent ileostomy or a conventional ileostomy is an option for those 10-15% of patients who will eventually experience pouch failure, usually either because of septic complications or an unacceptable bowel function. Quality of life following both these options, and IPAA, is excellent and does not differ from that of the matched background population.

Review article: colon-saving medical therapy vs. colectomy in ulcerative colitis - the case for colectomy

In the era of expanding medical therapy for ulcerative colitis, surgery is still a very valid option in those patients, where medicine is not able to control symptoms, both in the acute and chronic stages, and also for those at risk of developing a cancer. The ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) will, for the vast majority of patients, give a very acceptable functional outcome. There is a risk of surgical complications and pouchitis; however, mortality is very low and compares well with medical therapy. Reduced female fertility is a concern but compared with the preoperative state, overall sexual function is largely improved. The ileorectal anastomosis is undergoing a revival and can be used especially in the case of female fertility concerns. Either the continent ileostomy or a conventional ileostomy is an option for those 10-15% of patients who will eventually experience pouch failure, usually either because of septic complications or an unacceptable bowel function. Quality of life following both these options, and IPAA, is excellent and does not differ from that of the matched background population.

The place for colectomy and ileorectal anastomosis: a valid surgical option for ulcerative colitis?

BACKGROUND

Conflicting views regarding the use of ileorectal anastomosis (IRA) in ulcerative colitis (UC) exist and this controversy prompted us to review our experience, especially against the background of the current tendency to choose the ileal pouch-anal procedure (IPAA).

METHODS

Thirty-two consecutive patients with IRA were studied. Complications, failure rate, reasons for failure and functional results were assessed. The median follow-up time was 3.5 years.

RESULTS

The overall complication rate was 28%. The rectum was excised in 4 patients, indicating a failure rate of 12%. The mean daily evacuation frequency was 5.6. Despite urgency occurring in one-third of the patients, continence function was well preserved.

CONCLUSIONS

Employed on a selective basis, IRA is a safe procedure with low mortality and morbidity and good prospects for success in many patients with UC. The patients must be prepared to submit to life-long rectoscopy surveillance.

European evidence based consensus on the diagnosis and management of Crohn's disease: current management

This second section of the European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation (ECCO) Consensus on the management of Crohn's disease concerns treatment of active disease, maintenance of medically induced remission, and surgery. The first section on definitions and diagnosis includes the aims and methods of the consensus, as well as sections on diagnosis, pathology, and classification of Crohn's disease. The third section on special situations in Crohn's disease includes postoperative recurrence, fistulating disease, paediatrics, pregnancy, psychosomatics, extraintestinal manifestations, and alternative therapy for Crohn's disease.

Plasma concentration of procalcitonin and systemic inflammatory response syndrome after colorectal surgery

BACKGROUND

To study whether plasma concentrations of procalcitonin (PCT), interleukin-6 (IL-6), complement 3a (C3a), C-reactive protein and white blood cell count (WBC) correlate with the presence of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) during the early post-operative period after major colorectal surgery.

METHODS

Prospective, observational study during the first 24 h post-operatively. The setting for the study was the operating theatre and the recovery unit at the university hospital. Fifty consecutive patients, operated on electively with major resection of the large bowel or rectum. PCT levels increased significantly to the maximum level 18 h postoperatively. PCT levels were significantly higher in the SIRS group in comparison to the non-SIRS group of patients 6 and 12 h after surgery (P < 0.05). The IL-6 levels were increased directly after the surgery and then decreased gradually in both study groups. Twenty-four hours after the surgery, C3a levels decreased and then returned to normal levels. Twenty-four hours post-operatively, patients with SIRS had a higher plasma concentration of C3a compared with patients without SIRS (P < 0.05). CRP and WBC increased during the study period in both groups (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

During the early post-operative period after uncomplicated major abdominal surgery, SIRS was reflected by the increase in plasma PCT and C3a concentrations. IL-6, CRP and WBC increased to the same extend in both the SIRS and the non-SIRS group of patients.

The failed pelvic pouch: conversion to a continent ileostomy

BACKGROUND

Excision of the ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) with construction of a conventional ileostomy is in general the ultimate procedure after unsuccessful salvage surgery. Conversion of the IPAA to a continent ileostomy (CI) is an alternative.

METHODS

The clinical outcome of 13 patients operated with conversion of IPAA into CI was evaluated. Median follow-up was 6 years. One patient was lost to follow-up.

RESULTS

There were two failures with pouch excision. At follow-up, ten patients with intact CI were fully continent and none needed to use a stoma appliance. Revisional surgery had been required in 8 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Conversion of a failed IPAA into CI is a feasible procedure that may be considered an alternative to Brooke's ileostomy in motivated patients. The operation should ideally be done in specialized units.

Sexuality in patients with ulcerative colitis before and after restorative proctocolectomy: a prospective study

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to assess sexuality in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), before and one year after an ileal-pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA).

METHODS

Group I comprised 14 medically treated patients (7 M) and Group II comprised 29 patients (18 M), operated with colectomy and ileostomy, with preservation of the rectum. Patients were interviewed about desire, excitement and general sexual satisfaction before and one year after the IPAA operation.

RESULTS

Most of the patients had restarted sexual activity < or = 3 months after surgery. Sexual desire and desire for intercourse had not changed from before the IPAA operation. In Group I, one woman suffered from dyspareunia both before and after the IPAA. In Group II, three women had dyspareunia before the IPAA and four after surgery. Erection and ejaculation were normal in all men before the IPAA operation. After IPAA, one man in Group I and two men in Group II had loss of ejaculation. In Group 1, 10 out of 14 patients were satisfied with their sexual life both before and after the IPAA. In Group II the corresponding figures were 15 out of 28 before and 22 after IPAA surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

A third of the patients stated that they were dissatisfied with their sexual life before IPAA. Although a few patients experienced sexual imperfections such as loss of ejaculation and dyspareunia, the majority of patients in both groups considered that the overall general satisfaction with their sexual life had normalized considerably after surgery.

Quality of life before and after proctocolectomy and IPAA in patients with ulcerative proctocolitis--a prospective study

OBJECTIVE

The principal aim of the present investigation was to study the general QoL and disease-specific adjustment before, and one-year after, operation with an ileal pouch anal-anastomosis (IPAA) in a consecutive series of patients with ulcerative colitis (UC).

PATIENTS AND METHOD

Eleven patients were medically treated and 31 patients underwent colectomy with ileostomy. The patients were interviewed before the IPAA operation and again one-year after closure of the covering loop ileostomy. General quality of life was estimated with a Swedish instrument (according to Kajandi, score range 16-96) and a VA-scale. The instrument for disease-specific adjustment contained specific questions with five factors (score range 34-204). Open questions about quality of life were used to identify areas of concern, which were not included in the other instruments. Postoperative function was described in terms of a functional score (score range 0-15).

RESULTS

The results of the general quality of life assessments did not differ significantly when comparing pre-operative to postoperative values. Disease-specific adjustment showed that the medically treated patients had a score of 162; interquartile range (IQR) 145-176. The patients with ileostomy scored 164; IQR 141-180. Postoperatively there was a statistically significant improvement in both groups to 189 (IQR 172-199), an increase of 15%. The open questions revealed restrictions in daily life for both patient groups pre-operatively with improvements after IPAA. The median grading of functional outcome according to the score system was 2. The most frequent problems were: patients who had occasional bowel movements at night, 40%; intermittent perianal soreness, 51%; antidiarrhoeal medication use, 61%.

CONCLUSION

General QoL did not change after IPAA. The bowel-specific adjustment in most factors improved in the majority of patients after IPAA. However, half of the IPAA patients had occasional bowel movements at night perianal soreness, and used antidiarrhoeal medication.

Female fecundity before and after operation for familial adenomatous polyposis

BACKGROUND

Knowledge about the fertility of women suffering from familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is scarce and inconclusive. The purpose of this study was to investigate the fecundity of women with FAP before and after operation, and to compare the findings with those of a general population database and women with ulcerative colitis.

METHODS

A questionnaire concerning reproductive experiences and waiting times to pregnancy was sent to all 230 women on the polyposis registers in Denmark, Finland, Sweden and Norway in whom primary surgery had consisted of ileorectal anastomosis or ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. Data on the general population and women with ulcerative colitis came from an existing database. Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier plots were used for analysis.

RESULTS

The fecundity of women with FAP before operation and after colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis was similar to that of the general population. However, fecundity dropped to 54 per cent (P = 0.015) following proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis, although it was greater than the postoperative fecundity of women with ulcerative colitis.

CONCLUSION

The significant reduction in female fecundity after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis should be communicated to young women with FAP before it is decided which surgical option to follow.

Allopurinol as prophylaxis against pouchitis following ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for ulcerative colitis. A randomized placebo-controlled double-blind study

BACKGROUND

Pouchitis is the major long-term complication of restorative proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis (UC). Allopurinol is a scavenger of oxygen-derived free radicals, which it is suggested play a role in the development of UC and pouchitis. The first aim was to test the hypothesis that the incidence of pouchitis can be reduced by prophylactic Allopurinol, and secondly to evaluate if Allopurinol influences the overall pouch function.

METHODS

273 patients with UC who were planned for proctocolectomy and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis at 12 centres in Sweden between October 1994 and June 1997 were offered the opportunity to participate. 184 patients (67%) were randomized to receive postoperative prophylactic Allopurinol 100 mg twice daily or placebo. All 273 patients had clinical and endoscopic follow-up at 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, 24 months after surgery.

RESULTS

Of the 184 randomized patients, 94 were randomized to Allopurinol and 90 to placebo; 116 patients (63%) completed follow-up and the crude incidence of pouchitis among those patients fullfilling the protocol was 31% in the Allopurinol group and 28% in the placebo group (ns). The cumulative risk for a first attack of pouchitis was 30% and 26% after 24 months (ns). The overall pouch function improved over time and did not differ significantly between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Prophylactic Allopurinol did not reduce the risk of a first attack of pouchitis.

Outcome of primary and secondary ileal pouch-anal anastomosis and ileorectal anastomosis in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to present Swedish experiences of the ileal pouch-anal anastomosis in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis from the introduction in 1984. The study also compared the surgical and functional outcome of different anal continence preserving procedures: ileal pouch-anal anastomosis as primary surgery, ileal pouch-anal anastomosis as secondary surgery after colectomy and ileorectal anastomosis, and ileorectal anastomosis alone.

METHODS

The material comprises all 120 patients with familial adenomatous polyposis reported to the Swedish Polyposis Registry who had undergone prophylactic colorectal surgery, including those operated on because of colorectal cancer from 1984 until the end of 1996. Anal continence preserving surgery was performed on 102 patients: 20 had ileal pouch-anal anastomosis as primary surgery at a median age of 24.5 years, 39 had ileal pouch-anal anastomosis as secondary surgery at a median age of 34 years, and 43 had ileorectal anastomosis alone, at a median age of 26 years, because 6 of the initially ileorectal anastomosis-operated patients were converted to ileal pouch-anal anastomosis as secondary surgery. Surgical outcome was assessed on the basis of hospital records. A questionnaire was used to evaluate the functional outcome. Fisher's exact probability test was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Complications occurred in 51 percent of the patients after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis: 40 percent after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis as primary surgery and 56 percent after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis as secondary surgery. When the previous ileorectal anastomosis was taken into account 67 percent of the patients suffered complications which was significantly more compared with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis as primary surgery. After ileorectal anastomosis, 26 percent had complications which was significantly less compared with all other procedures but ileal pouch-anal anastomosis as primary surgery. No cancer occurred after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis, either in the ileal pouch or in retained rectal mucosa, but two of the patients who had an ileorectal anastomosis developed rectal cancer. One pouch excision was performed compared with ten rectal excisions. Functional outcome did not differ between ileal pouch-anal anastomosis as primary surgery and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis as secondary surgery. However, ileorectal anastomosis-operated patients had significantly better bowel function with regard to nighttime stool frequency, continence and perianal soreness.

CONCLUSION

These findings indicate that major advantages of ileal pouch-anal anastomosis are the low excision rate and, so far, no cancer in the ileal pouch. Moreover, the surgical outcome of ileal pouch-anal anastomosis as primary surgery is not significantly different from that of ileorectal anastomosis. However, the good surgical and functional outcome of ileorectal anastomosis, despite the long-range prognosis including rectal cancer and excision risks, has to be taken into consideration when selecting patients with familial adenomatous polyposis for primary surgery.

Long-term outcome after colectomy in severe idiopathic constipation

OBJECTIVE

The specific aim of the investigation was to assess the long-term results of subtotal colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis in patients with severe idiopathic constipation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

40 patients with severe idiopathic constipation were operated on between 1981 and 1993. Patients were accepted for a colectomy and an ileo-rectal anatomosis after a thorough gastro-intestinal investigation. Pre-operative bowel frequency was less than 2 movements per week, and slow transit was documented. Postoperative complications occurred in eight patients. Early re-operation was performed in 2 patients for small bowel obstruction.

RESULTS

Mean follow-up was 11 (range 5-16) years. The defaecation frequency at follow-up was 3.0 +/- 1.9 per day. Twenty-nine patients stated that they were satisfied and 11 were dissatisfied with the procedure. The outcome did not correlate with observed signs of outlet obstruction, blunted rectal sensation or presence of a psychiatric diagnosis. At 5-16 years after the procedure 33 patients still retain the ileo-rectal anastomosis. Seven patients have had further procedures: Five patients have an ileo-anal pouch, one has a continent ileostomy and one has a conventional ileostomy. Small bowel obstruction was encountered in 17 patients, in 10 of these surgical treatment was necessary.

CONCLUSION

It is concluded that colectomy and ileorectal anastomosis for the treatment of severe idiopathic constipation causes an increase in the number of bowel motions, but is deemed successful only by 3 out of 4 patients. Secondary morbidity is considerable.

Midline or transverse abdominal incision for right-sided colon cancer-a randomized trial

OBJECTIVE

The influence of the type of abdominal incision on post-operative pain and pulmonary function was investigated in patients operated upon for a right-sided cancer of the large bowel.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Fifty-three patients scheduled for a right hemicolectomy due to a right-sided colon cancer were randomized to a median vertical (M) or a transverse incision (T). Forty patients, 23 with a M and 17 with a T incision, completed the study and could be evaluated. Pain at rest and after physical activity was assessed with a visual analogue scale, and was also measured as reflected in the need for analgesics. Respiratory function was assessed with pre- and post-operative spirometry.

RESULTS

Pain after activity was significantly less in patients with a T incision. This group also needed less analgesia. Vital capacity (VC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV 1.0) were profoundly reduced after surgery in both groups of patients, but improvement of respiratory function was faster in patients with a transverse incision. No problem with access to the operative field was noted.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that a transverse incision is preferable to a midline incision and should be used in right hemicolectomy. This abdominal incision reduces effort-induced pain and interferes less with post-operative pulmonary function, and may reduce the risk of pulmonary complications.

Preliminary results of a multicentre trial of the electrically stimulated gracilis neoanal sphincter

BACKGROUND

The electrically stimulated gracilis neoanal sphincter was initially developed to treat refractory incontinence. Good early results were reported from the two centres that pioneered the technique. The aim of this study was to assess the operation in a prospective multicentre setting.

METHODS

The procedure was performed on 64 patients from seven centres worldwide and was performed in stages. All patients were evaluated clinically and manometrically before and after operation.

RESULTS

There was a high incidence of infective and hardware-related complications. At a median of 10 months following closure of the defunctioning stoma 56 per cent had experienced a good functional result. The major functional problems comprised evacuatory difficulties experienced by 25 per cent.

CONCLUSION

The technique is effective in treating otherwise refractory incontinence. It is, however, a complex procedure and the morbidity rate may be high, particularly during the learning curve, factors that necessitate careful patient selection. Presented to the Association of Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland in Bournemouth, UK, April 1997 and the European Council of Coloproctology in Edinburgh, UK, June 1997; and published in abstract form as Br J Surg 1997; 88(Suppl): 39 and Int J Colorectal Dis 1997; 12: 144

Fertility after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis in women with ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND

Women with ulcerative colitis are believed to have normal fertility but colectomy and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) may impair fertility. The aim was to compare fertility in patients with ulcerative colitis before and after IPAA with that in the national population.

METHODS

Some 258 consecutive women who had undergone IPAA for ulcerative colitis were identified. Data were collected by questionnaire and from medical records. The observed number of births was compared with the number expected by indirect standardization by age and calendar year. Fertility from the age of 15 years to colectomy, from the onset of ulcerative colitis to colectomy, and from the 12 months after stoma closure to the time of data collection was investigated.

RESULTS

A total of 237 women (92 per cent) responded. From the age of 15 years to colectomy there were 251 deliveries compared with an expected number of 286 (P < 0. 05). The number of births from the onset of ulcerative colitis to colectomy was 120, compared with an expected 131 (P > 0.3). From the 12 months after ileostomy closure until data collection there were 34 deliveries, compared with an expected 69 (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

There is a considerable reduction in postoperative fertility after restorative surgery for ulcerative colitis.

Objective methods cannot predict anal incontinence after primary repair of extensive anal tears

BACKGROUND

An increased awareness of anal incontinence after delivery tears has developed during the last years. The aim of this study was to compare complaints with the results of physiological methods in women with complete sphincter ruptures primarily repaired at delivery.

METHODS

Twenty-seven women, 16 with total rupture of the external anal sphincter and 11 who also had a ruptured internal anal sphincter were studied. Interviews on pelvic floor function, investigation with recto-anal manometry, single fiber EMG and anal endosonography were performed at 11.9 (2.5) months after delivery. Fifteen women vaginally delivered without sphincter rupture served as controls.

RESULTS

Pelvic floor dysfunction was admitted in 74%, in particular gas incontinence (59%). Maximum squeeze pressure was significantly reduced (p<0.01) compared to controls, while resting anal pressure was unaffected. Fiber density was increased in 81% of patients and 91% had detectable defects on endosonography. Neither the degree of rupture nor the presence of complaints significantly correlated to the objective methods.

CONCLUSIONS

A majority of women with primarily repaired anal sphincter ruptures at delivery were incontinent. Sphincter defects and signs of neuropathy could not precisely predict symptoms.

Does simple hysterectomy alter bowel function?

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Hysterectomy is believed to be associated with disturbed defecation, mainly constipation. This study longitudinally describes bowel function in women submitted for hysterectomy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Rectoanal manovolumetry, whole gut transit time and detailed interviews on bowel function and dyspareunia were performed preoperatively and at 3 and 11-18 months after hysterectomy in 42 women. Twenty healthy women matched for age and parity served as manovolumetry controls.

RESULTS

No significant changes in anal sphincter pressures could be demonstrated, neither early nor late after hysterectomy. Transit time was unaffected. All but one of the patients claimed that they had been suffering from one or more of the following symptoms; abdominal pain, distension, constipation and dysparenuia. While postoperative interviews revealed a significant improvement with respect to abdominal pain and dyspareunia (P < 0.01) after 3 and 11-18 months, improvement of abdominal distension and constipation proved to be transient only.

CONCLUSION

Simple abdominal hysterectomy appears not to interfere adversely with bowel function. On the contrary many patients were relieved from abdominal pain present before operation.

The trephine stoma: formation of a stoma without laparotomy

A trephine stoma may be an attractive alternative for those patients who require a stoma but not a laparotomy. Twenty-seven consecutive patients were candidates for formation of a trephine stoma. A loop ileostomy was successfully constructed in seven patients and an end sigmoid colostomy in 15, while conversion to a formal laparotomy was necessary in five patients mainly because the sigmoid colon was immobile or there were extensive adhesions. The absence of a major abdominal wound made the postoperative course simple with little pain, a quick recovery, and early discharge from hospital.

Small bowel length in inflammatory bowel disease

Small intestinal length has a particular significance in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). A determination of intestinal length by a standardised and simple technique is of interest for surgical decision making in primary and recurrent disease and in the evaluation and management of postoperative malabsorption. The aim of the present investigation was to analyse intestinal length in patients with IBD and define a standard method for this measurement.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Two consecutive series of patients. Crohn's disease (n = 279) and ulcerative colitis (n = 315) and a control group (n = 77) underwent standardised intra-operative small intestinal length measurement.

RESULTS

Small intestinal length correlated to weight and height and was less in women than in men (P < 0.001) in both IBD groups and the controls. The small bowel in patients with Crohn's disease was significantly shorter than in patients with ulcerative colitis and in controls, P < 0.001. Also in Ulcerative Colitis small bowel length was significantly less than in controls, P < 0.001. In CD patients there was no difference in bowel length with regards to the anatomical extent of the disease. Original small bowel-length in patients with CD and one or two bowel resections (n = 67) was not different from that in patients with three or more resections (n = 88).

CONCLUSION

Small bowel length correlated to weight, height and sex. Patients with CD had a significantly shorter small intestine at first laparotomy, compared with U.C. patients and controls. In CD-patients there was no difference between the anatomical subgroups.

Perinuclear antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody in pouchitis after proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND

It has been shown that perinuclear antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (P-ANCA) may be associated with pouchitis after proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) for ulcerative colitis (UC).

METHODS

P-ANCA was studied with the indirect immunofluorescence technique in 76 UC patients after IPAA. Twenty-eight patients had had pouchitis, whereas 48 patients did not.

RESULTS

P-ANCA was found in 49 of 76 (64.5%) UC patients after IPAA. In patients who had had pouchitis attacks within 1 year of serum sampling (group 1) 12 of 12 (100%) patients had positive P-ANCA. In patients who had had pouchitis attacks 1 or several years before the serum sampling (group 2) 9 of 16 (56.3%) patients had positive P-ANCA. In patients who had not yet had a pouchitis attack (group 3) 28 of 48 (58.3%) were positive. The occurrence of P-ANCA in group 1 was significantly higher than in group 2 (p = 0.01) or group 3 (p = 0.005). No statistically significant difference was found between the occurrence of P-ANCA in group 2 and group 3. Furthermore, we found that the titres of P-ANCA in the pouchitis patients were associated with the observation time since the first pouchitis attack to the time of serum sampling (r = -0.43, p = 0.02) and a pouchitis relapse index (average pouchitis attacks per year, r = 0.47, p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

P-ANCA was found in UC patients after proctocolectomy with IPAA. Patients with recent (< or = 12 months) or ongoing pouchitis are all P-ANCA-positive. Pouchitis patients with higher P-ANCA titres are more prone to have frequent relapses.

Postoperative pain. Does subcutaneous lidocaine spray relieve it? Can pain be predicted?

Postoperative pain is often a big problem after gastrointestinal surgery. The aim of the present investigation was two-fold; To see whether supplying of lidocaine spray in the surgical wound influences postoperative pain and to evaluate the role of patients and caring factors on the perception of postoperative pain. Sixty consecutive patients undergoing major abdominal surgery were randomized into a control or a treatment group. Pain relief, apart from lidocaine, was given according to routine. The methods included interviews, pain registration, on a visual analogue scale and registration of administered analgesics. No effect could be attributed to lidocaine. Nurses' ability to predict pain was unreliable, patients predicted pain better. Younger patients suffered greater pain than elderly. Preoperative anxiety correlated to postoperative pain, whereas malignant diagnoses did not. Most of the studied patients had considerable postoperative pain. Routines for postoperative pain relief should be improved.

Intestinal intraluminal continuity is a prerequisite for the distal bowel motility response to feeding

BACKGROUND

We wanted to elucidate further the regulation of the intestinal motility response to feeding.

METHODS

After intraduodenal administration of an oleate solution, mimicking a meal, the distal bowel motility and the plasma levels of bile acids, cholecystokinin (CCK), and neurotensin were monitored in patients operated on with restorative proctocolectomy (n = 4) or low anterior resection of the rectum (n = 4). Investigations were performed both with and without a diverting loop ileostomy.

RESULTS

Intraduodenal sodium oleate elicited a prompt and significant increase in distal bowel motility. The motility response failed to appear when the luminal flow was diverted by a loop ileostomy. An increase in plasma CCK preceded the motility increase, but CCK was increased also in patients with a loop ileostomy. Whereas plasma bile acid levels were significantly increased after 30-45 min (p < 0.05), both with and without a loop ileostomy, neurotensin levels were not affected.

CONCLUSION

Intestinal continuity is a prerequisite for the distal bowel motility response, indicating that apart from other possible mechanisms, luminal factors are involved in the regulation of intestinal motility.

Loperamide improves anal sphincter function and continence after restorative proctocolectomy

The physiological and clinical effects of loperamide treatment versus placebo were investigated in a randomized, double-blind, crossover study in patients operated with restorative proctocolectomy. Sixteen patients operated with endoanal mucosectomy and a handsewn ileal pouch-anal anastomosis and 14 patients operated with abdominal proctocolectomy and stapling of the pouch to the top of the anal canal were studied. While loperamide treatment increased resting anal pressure in both groups of patients by approximately 20% (P < 0.05), squeeze pressure was not affected. Loperamide did not affect pouch volume or contractility. Sensory thresholds and the recto/pouch-anal inhibitory reflex were not influenced by loperamide treatment. Clinical function was improved, with a reduced bowel frequency and an improved nighttime continence, with less soiling (P < 0.05) as well as need to wear a protective pad.

Ileostomy output and bile acid excretion after intraduodenal administration of oleic acid

BACKGROUND

Ileostomy output and small-intestinal transport are regulated by complex mechanisms, which the present study aimed to further elucidate.

METHODS

The time-related ileostomy output and bile acid excretion after intraduodenal administration of a fat solution (oleic acid, 3.5 g) was studied in 29 ileostomy patients. Eighteen patients had the entire small bowel preserved (group I), whereas 11 had various lengths of the ileum resected or bypassed (group II).

RESULTS

Intraduodenal fat administration resulted in a prompt and significant increase in ileostomy output in both groups. The accumulated 2-h output after fat administration amounted to 60% of the normal 24-h output in group I and 30% in group II. A marked increase in bile acid excretion preceded the flow response. The fat-induced response was abolished by administration of cholestyramine.

CONCLUSIONS

Bile acids seem to have important regulatory effects with regard to secretion/absorption and transport of small-bowel contents, affecting ileostomy output, with clinical implications in many patients.

Abdominal rectopexy for rectal prolapse. Influence of surgical technique on functional outcome

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of surgical technique on functional and manovolumetric results in patients treated with Marlex mesh abdominal rectopexy.

METHODS

The lateral ligaments were completely divided (the Wells procedure) in 16 patients and preserved (the Ripstein procedure) in 16 patients. Clinical and physiologic assessment were performed before and at 3, 6, and 12 months after operation.

RESULTS

Improvement of continence was similar. Bowel regulation problems which were unchanged after the Ripstein procedure increased significantly after the Wells procedure (P < 0.01). Rectal volume became reduced in the group who received the Wells procedure (225 ml vs. 115 ml, P < 0.05 at one year), but remained unchanged after receiving the Ripstein procedure. The pressure thresholds required to elicit sensation of rectal filling and defecation urge were increased after the Wells procedure (15 cm of H2O vs. 25 cm of H2O, P < 0.05 and 25 cm of H2O vs. 45 cm of H2O, P < 0.05, respectively). In the Ripstein group there was only a slight increase of the threshold for urge (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The Wells procedure was followed by severe rectal dysfunction accompanied by increased constipation and evacuation problems. The Ripstein procedure, preserving the lateral ligaments, appears not to affect such symptoms adversely. On the other hand, improvement is not likely to occur.

Gynaecological and sexual function related to anatomical changes in the female pelvis after restorative proctocolectomy

Restorative proctocolectomy with an ileal pouch-anal anastomosis preserves anal sphincters, the normal route of defaecation and the normal body image and it has been suggested that the procedure might be associated with less gynaecological and sexual problems than conventional proctocolectomy. To shed further light on this subject 60 female patients were invited to participate in a study comprising a detailed interview, examination by a gynaecologist and investigation with hysterosalpingography and vaginography. Twenty-one women with a mean follow-up of 38 months after surgery agreed to participate. Their gynaecological state was considered normal although one woman complained of vaginal discharge. Five women experienced occasional dyspareunia and 2 patients had to take special precautions to avoid bowel leaks at intercourse. While the position of the vagina and uterus in the pelvis appeared normal, hysterosalpingography disclosed bilateral occlusion of the fallopian tubes in 2 and unilateral occlusion in another 9 patients with tubes adhering to the bottom of the lesser pelvis in 10 of the patients. Only one out of 14 patients succeeded in trying to conceive during the follow-up period. Among the remaining 39 women not specially studied 5 out of 14 had conceived after the operation.

Does the level of stapled ileoanal anastomosis influence physiologic and functional outcome?

PURPOSE

The aim of this investigation was to ascertain how the length of anal canal preserved above the dentate line in stapled end-to-end ileoanal anastomosis influenced late outcome.

METHODS

Two groups, high cuff group and low cuff group of nine subjects with stapled anastomosis, matched for sex, age, pouch configuration, and mean follow-up, representing the highest (median, 2.5 cm) and lowest (median, 0.7 cm) anal cuff lengths in our series, were selected. Physiologic and functional parameters were appraised preoperatively, at the time of ileostomy closure, and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after reestablishment of intestinal continuity.

RESULTS

At one year, the drop in mean anal canal resting pressure was 13 percent in the high cuff group (not significant) and 31 percent in the low cuff group (P < 0.05); mean maximum squeezing pressure did not differ significantly from preoperative values in both groups. The mean volume of the ileal pouch was higher in the low cuff group at all insufflation pressures. The rectoanal inhibition reflex reappeared in four high cuff group patients and in none of the low cuff group patients. Mean distention pressure (cm H2O) and volume (ml) eliciting urge sensation were 80 and 360 in the low cuff group compared with 40 and 240 in the high cuff group (P < or = 0.05). Daytime bowel movements and night incontinence were significantly better in the low cuff group. No statistical differences were observed for night stool frequency, daytime incontinence, pad use (day and night), discrimination between gas and feces, ability to defer evacuation, and difficulty in emptying the pouch.

CONCLUSION

Patients with stapled anastomoses and a low rectal cuff length, despite presenting lower anal resting pressure and absence of rectoanal inhibition reflex, had a better functional outcome in terms of continence than those with a high cuff length.

Incidence and characteristics of pouchitis in the Kock continent ileostomy and the pelvic pouch

The incidence, the median time to first appearance, and the clinical pattern of pouchitis were prospectively studied in 180 patients operated on for ulcerative proctocolitis with a continent ileostomy (CI; 84 patients) and a pelvic pouch (PP; 96 patients). Median follow-up for CI patients was 8.5 years (range, 2-15 years) and for PP patients, 5 years (range, 1-8 years). Pouchitis, with symptoms severe enough to require treatment, developed in 33% (28 of 84) of CI and 47% (45 of 96) of PP patients. The cumulative risk of developing one or more episodes of pouchitis over a 5-year follow-up was 34% in CI patients and 51% in PP patients. The median time to first appearance of pouchitis was 5 and 12 months, respectively. Eighty-six per cent of CI patients with pouchitis (24 of 28) and 71% of PP patients (32 of 45) experienced their initial episode within the first 2 years. Sixty-four per cent (18 of 28) of the CI patients and 76% (34 of 45) of PP patients had one single or a few short-lasting episodes of pouchitis with various symptom-free intervals, whereas 18% of patients in each group (5 of 28 CI patients, 8 of 45 PP patients) had frequent relapses. Most of these patients responded promptly to metronidazole treatment. Eighteen per cent (5 of 28) of CI patients and 6% (3 of 45) of PP patients had long-lasting episodes with a poor response to treatment. In this long-term study the pouch inflammation proved eventually to be Crohn's disease in four patients (2.2%).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Possible role of the autonomic nervous system in sphincter impairment after restorative proctocolectomy

Peroperative manometry was performed in 12 patients operated on with endoanal proctectomy and a hand-sewn pouch-anal anastomosis and in 12 in whom proctectomy was performed entirely from above, with the ileal pouch stapled to the top of the anal canal. Results from both groups showed that division of the superior rectal artery reduced the median (95 per cent confidence interval (c.i.)) resting anal pressure from 77.5 (69.9-83.3) mmHg to 64.5 (55.2-70.0) mmHg (P < 0.01). Complete rectal mobilization to the pelvic floor decreased resting pressure by an additional 22 per cent, to a median of 50.0 (95 per cent c.i. 40.1-53.5) mmHg (P < 0.01). After completion of anastomosis, irrespective of the operative technique used, a further decline in median pressure to 35.0 (95 per cent c.i. 26.0-47.7) mmHg could be demonstrated (P < 0.05). This study indicates that anal sphincter pressure is reduced to a similar extent after hand-sewn and stapled anastomoses. Injury to the autonomic nervous supply to the anal sphincter mechanism might be the major cause for this reduction.

The failing pelvic pouch conversion to continent ileostomy

Excision of a failing pelvic pouch is often a great disappointment for the patient. It is also an unfortunate decision considering that a significant length of terminal ileum is sacrificed. Transformation of the pouch to a continent ileostomy is an alternative. Five patients with a malfunctioning pelvic pouch have had their pouch converted to a continent ileostomy. The operative technique is described.

The effects of atropine or benzilonium on pelvic pouch and anal sphincter functions

Anticholinergic drugs are used on an empirical basis for treatment of functional disturbances after restorative proctocolectomy, but their mode of action on ileal pouch performance is mainly unknown. We studied the acute effects of atropine or benzilonium on pouch characteristics and anal sphincter function in 20 patients with a pelvic pouch. Pouch volume was increased by 27% by atropine at distension with 20 cm H2O (p less than 0.01). Benzilonium tended to have a similar effect, but the changes did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.06). Pouch contractility, as reflected by volume fluctuations and pressure changes during distension, was almost abolished by both drugs. Sensory thresholds for sense of filling and, particularly, urge were raised. Resting anal pressure was slightly lowered, whereas no significant effect was found on maximal squeeze pressure. In conclusion, anticholinergics appear to have specific properties of action on small-intestinal reservoirs, constituting possible explanations for the empirically observed beneficial effects of anticholinergic treatment of functional disturbances after restorative proctocolectomy.

The effects of age, gender, and parity on rectoanal functions in adults

The effects of age, gender, and parity on rectoanal function were examined in a cross-sectional population study, including 68 normal subjects (32 men and 36 women) aged 23 to 91 years. Rectal volumetry was evaluated with graded isobaric rectal distension with 5-60 cm H2O in combination with anal manometry. Data were analysed by use of the multiple regression technique. Increasing age correlated with a decrease in rectal volume (r = -0.285, p less than 0.05), resting anal pressure (r = -0.625, p less than 0.001), and maximal squeezing pressure (r = -0.557, p less than 0.001). The decrease in maximal squeeze pressure with age was similar in men and women (approximately = 1% x year-1), although the median of maximal squeeze pressure in women was 58.3-75.7% of that in men (p less than 0.001). Nor was there a difference in resting anal pressure between men and women. An age-dependent increase was observed for the pressure threshold to produce an initial sensation of rectal filling and the rectoanal inhibition reflex (r = 0.446, p less than 0.001). The sensory threshold increased with age, but this was more pronounced in women. No effect of parity on rectoanal function could be demonstrated. However, this would best be investigated in a longitudinal population study. We believe that identification of causes for interindividual variation and regression analysis procedures will increase the discriminative accuracy of analysis of rectoanal function. The present study shows that several of the demonstrated age-related changes have a tendency to expose elderly subjects, particularly women, to the problems of incontinence.

The stapled ileal pouch--anal anastomosis. A randomized study comparing two different pouch designs

Thirty patients were operated on with restorative proctocolectomy with an end-to-end ileal pouch-anal anastomosis constructed by double stapling (STP). Pouches were randomized to either J type or K type (folded by the principles used for the Kock continent ileostomy). Manovolumetric and functional results were compared. Patients were followed up for at least 6 months. K pouches acquired a significantly larger volume than the J-configurated pouches, and at 6 months the mean +/- SD volumes amounted to 361 +/- 59.8 ml versus 283 +/- 43.0 ml (p less than 0.01) with a concomitant reduction in 24-h frequency (4.4 +/- 1.5 versus 5.8 +/- 1.9; p less than 0.05). The initial postoperative mean reduction of resting anal pressure amounted to 33%. which was similar to that observed in a group of matched historical controls operated on with endoanal mucosectomy and hand-sutured pouch-anal anastomosis. Compared with these controls STP patients showed a superior overall functional result, most marked in the early postoperative period.

A prospective randomized comparison of two different pelvic pouch designs

The clinical manovolumetric, and functional results of restorative proctocolectomy were studied in patients randomly allocated to construction of either a J-shaped pouch (n = 29) or a pouch fashioned by the folding technique used for the Kock continent ileostomy (K-pouch) (n = 26). A complete endoanal mucosectomy was performed, and the pouches were all constructed from 30-cm lengths of ileum. There were no deaths and no significant difference in postoperative morbidity. Anal pressures were equal in the two groups. The K-pouch expanded more favourably postoperatively, and its volume at 1 year was significantly greater than that of the J-pouch (355 +/- 71 ml (SD); range, 225-495, versus 264 +/- 81 ml; range, 75-440; p less than 0.001). The pouches had similar motility patterns and sensory pressure thresholds. Initially after closure of the loop ileostomy there was a tendency for better functional outcome in K-pouch patients. At 1 year the overall distribution of functional defects did not differ, and the defaecation frequency was about equal in the groups.

Manovolumetric and sensory characteristics of the ileoanal J pouch compared with healthy rectum

Pouch volume, motility, sensory function and integrated pouch-anal mechanisms during graded isobaric distension of the pouch were prospectively studied in 67 patients with a J pouch-anal anastomosis. The findings were related to functional outcome. Thirty-six normal controls were studied for comparison. In contrast with normal rectum, the ileal pouch exhibited pronounced motility, and pouch contractions were frequent even at a high distension pressure. The presence of high pressure motility was associated with a poor functional outcome. The threshold pressure and threshold volume for eliciting first sensation of filling and urge to defaecate were significantly higher in the ileal pouch. The pressure threshold levels were not related to the functional outcome. Sphincter inhibition on pouch distension reappeared in 25 per cent of the patients. The distension pressure required to elicit the inhibition was considerably higher than in the control subjects. The functional result was similar irrespective of whether sphincter inhibition was present or not. The motor and sensory function of this artificial setting appear to be controlled by nervous mechanisms that are different from those in the healthy anorectum.