Surgical stricturoplasty in the treatment of ileal pouch strictures

Radiographic Evaluation of Ileal Pouch Disorders: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Radiographic imaging of the abdomen and pelvis plays an important role in the diagnosis and management of ileal pouch disorders with modalities including CT, MRI, contrasted pouchography, and defecography.

OBJECTIVES

To perform a systematic review of the literature and describe applications of cross-sectional imaging, pouchography, defecography, and ultrasonography.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane database.

STUDY SELECTION

Relevant articles on endoscopy in ileal pouches published between January 2003 and June 2023 in English were included on the basis of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.

INTERVENTION

Main abdominal and pelvic imaging modalities and their applications in the diagnosis of ileal pouch disorders were included.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Accuracy in characterization of ileal pouch disorders.

RESULTS

CT is the test of choice for the evaluation of acute anastomotic leaks, perforation, and abscess(es). MRI of the pelvis is suitable for the assessment of chronic anastomotic leaks and their associated fistulas and sinus tracts, as well as for the penetrating phenotype of Crohn's disease of the pouch. CT enterography and magnetic resonance enterography are useful in assessing intraluminal, intramural, and extraluminal disease processes of the pouch and prepouch ileum. Water-soluble contrast pouchography is particularly useful for evaluating acute or chronic anastomotic leaks and outlines the shape and configuration of the pouch. Defecography is the key modality to evaluate structural and functional pouch inlet and outlet obstructions. Ultrasonography can be performed to assess the pouch in experienced IBD centers.

LIMITATIONS

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

CONCLUSIONS

Abdominopelvic imaging, along with clinical and endoscopic evaluation, is imperative for accurately assessing structural, inflammatory, functional, and neoplastic disorders. See video from symposium .

Complications following ileal pouch-anal anastomosis in pediatric ulcerative colitis

Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) is the procedure of choice for reconstruction after total proctocolectomy in pediatric patients with ulcerative colitis. 30-60 % of patients undergoing IPAA will experience a postoperative complication. The primary objective of this article is to address the most common complications specific to IPAA in the pediatric population and provide an up-to-date review of their presentation, risk factors, workup, and management. We also share our preferred approaches to management and prevention of complications, where relevant. We intend to provide a concise review on the topic aimed at pediatric surgeons and healthcare providers involved in the care of this population with the goal of contributing to improved outcomes and patient quality of life.

The Safety of Dilation of Ileoanal Strictures With Mechanical or Balloon Dilation Is Similar Among Patients After Ileal Pouch-Anal Anastomosis

BACKGROUND

Anastomotic strictures occur in up to 38% of patients after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA). We sought to compare the safety, effectiveness, and durability of mechanical dilation using a Hegar dilator to endoscopic through-the-scope balloon dilation (EBD) among IPAA patients with a rectal or ileoanal anastomotic stricture.

METHODS

We identified adult patients with an IPAA for ulcerative colitis (UC) who underwent a pouchoscopy between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2019, at a single institution. We compared the effectiveness (median maximum diameter of dilation [MMD]), safety, and durability of mechanical and balloon dilation using standard statistical comparisons.

RESULTS

A total 74 patients had a stricture at the ileoanal anastomosis and underwent at least 1 mechanical or balloon dilation. The MMD with mechanical dilation was 19 (interquartile range [IQR], 18-20) mm for the first dilation and 20 (IQR, 18-20) mm for the second and third dilations. With balloon dilation, the MMD was 12 (IQR, 12-18) mm for the first dilation, 15 (IQR, 12-16.5) mm for the second dilation, and 18 (IQR, 15-18.5) mm for the third dilation. Patients undergoing mechanical dilation experienced a longer duration to second dilation (median 191 days vs 53 days: P < .001), with no difference in complications such as bleeding or perforation noted.

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with ileoanal and rectal strictures, mechanical and balloon approaches to dilation demonstrated similar safety profiles and effectiveness. Mechanical dilation with Hegar dilators appears to be an effective and safe approach to the treatment of distal strictures after IPAA.

Salvage surgery is an effective alternative for J-pouch afferent limb stricture treatment

BACKGROUND

Restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis is the surgical treatment of choice for patients requiring surgery for inflammatory bowel disease. A stricture located at the inlet of the afferent limb can lead to small bowel obstruction in a limited number of patients with a pelvic pouch. This paper aims to examine our experience with afferent limb stricture surgical correction when other endoscopic treatment methods have failed to control obstructive symptoms.

METHODS

All consecutive eligible patients with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis and afferent limb stricture were identified from our institutional review board-approved database from 1990 to 2021. Patients surgically treated with excision and reimplantation/strictureplasty of afferent limb stricture were included in this study.

RESULTS

Twenty patients met our inclusion criteria. Fifteen (75%) were female, and the overall mean age was 41 ± 10.3 years at afferent limb stricture surgery. The interval from ileal pouch-anal anastomosis formation to surgery for afferent limb stricture was 13.5 ± 6.7 years. Nine (45%) underwent strictureplasty, and 11 (55%) had resection and reimplantation of the afferent limb into the pouch. Before afferent limb stricture surgery, 3 (15%) required a diverting ileostomy for their obstructive symptoms. An additional 12 (60%) had a stoma constructed during afferent limb stricture surgery, and 5 had a strictureplasty and no stoma. Postoperatively, 1 patient (5%) had a leak at the afferent limb stricture repair site. All patients had their ileostomy closed 3.2 (2.99-3.6) months after surgery. Long-term after afferent limb stricture surgery, recurrent small bowel obstruction symptoms recurred in 7 (35%) patients 3.9 (2.6-5.8) years later.

CONCLUSION

Afferent limb stricture can be treated effectively with salvage surgery. The surgical intervention appears durable and provides an acceptable outcome for their obstructive symptoms.

The Current State of Care for Black and Hispanic Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients

Research on the care of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients has been primarily in populations of European ancestry. However, the incidence of IBD, which comprises Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is increasing in different populations around the world. In this comprehensive review, we examine the epidemiology, clinical presentations, disease phenotypes, treatment outcomes, social determinants of health, and genetic and environmental factors in the pathogenesis of IBD in Black and Hispanic patients in the United States. To improve health equity of underserved minorities with IBD, we identified the following priority areas: access to care, accurate assessment of treatment outcomes, incorporation of Black and Hispanic patients in therapeutic clinical trials, and investigation of environmental factors that lead to the increase in disease incidence.

The Surgical Management of Ileal Pouch Strictures

BACKGROUND

Total proctocolectomy with IPAA reconstruction is the surgical approach of choice in ulcerative colitis, indeterminate colitis, familial adenomatous polyposis, and selected patients with Crohn's disease. Pouch stricture is a common complication after IPAA.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to identify surgical management options for pouch stricture and offer a treatment algorithm.

DATA SOURCES

A computer-assisted search of the online bibliographic databases MEDLINE and Embase from 1990 to 2021 was performed.

STUDY SELECTION

Randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, observational studies, and case reports were considered.

INTERVENTIONS

Mechanical dilation, strictureplasty, stapler resection, pouch advancement, bypass, and repeat IPAA were included.

MAIN OUTCOMES

Twenty-three articles were considered eligible. Overall incidence of strictures varied from 5% to 38%. Strictures were categorized into 3 areas: pouch inlet (with a reported incidence of 9% to 56%), mid-pouch (with a reported incidence of 2%), and pouch-anal anastomosis (with a reported incidence of 43% to 87%). Pouch-anal strictures were initially managed using bougie or Hegar dilation, with various surgical procedures advocated when initial dilation failed. Mid-pouch strictures are relatively unstudied with scant data. Pouch inlet strictures can be surgically managed by various transabdominal techniques' including resection and reconnection, strictureplasty, or bypass.

RESULTS

Pouch-anal strictures should be managed in a step-up strategy as conservative procedures are associated with acceptable success rates. Initial mechanical dilation using bougie or Hegar dilation has a success rate of >80%, although it is likely to require repeat dilations. When these measures fail, transanal surgical approaches using strictureplasty, stapler resection' or pouch advancement should be offered. Transabdominal pouch revision should be offered to patients refractory to a transanal approach. In mid-pouch strictures, the treatment of choice is pouch revision and reanastomosis. Pouch inlet strictures can be managed by resection, strictureplasty, or bypass depending on the location and length of the stricture and surgeon experience.

LIMITATIONS

Studies were often small and retrospectively analyzed. There were no randomized controlled trials or comparison between different treatment options.

Diagnostic and Management Considerations for the IPAA With Crohn's Disease-Like Features

BACKGROUND

Patients with ulcerative colitis often develop medically refractory colonic inflammation or colorectal neoplasia, and approximately 10% to 15% of patients require surgery. The most common surgical procedure is a restorative proctocolectomy with IPAA. Even if the preoperative diagnosis is ulcerative colitis, approximately 10% of patients can develop inflammatory pouch conditions resembling a Crohn's disease phenotype.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to review the diagnostic approach, prognosis, and management of IPAA with Crohn's disease-like features.

DATA SOURCES

The data sources include search in electronic databases.

STUDY SELECTION

This narrative review included studies focusing on pouches with Crohn's disease-like features.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The main topics in this review included the pathogenesis, risk factors, diagnosis, phenotypes, prognosis, and medications of pouches with Crohn's disease-like features.

RESULTS

A diagnostic approach for the pouch conditions resembling a Crohn's disease phenotype should be based on history-taking to evaluate its risk factors and endoscopic assessment of the pouch. Prior disease history and pathology, location of pouch complications, and timing of complications offer clues for the differential diagnosis of this phenotype. We advocate for the more descriptive term "pouch with Crohn's disease-like features" and reserve the term "Crohn's disease of the pouch" for patients who undergo IPAA and have a precolectomy diagnosis of Crohn's disease or whose colectomy pathology revealed Crohn's disease. Medications, which are often used for traditional Crohn's disease, show efficacy in pouches with Crohn's disease-like features as well. The poor prognosis associated with pouches with Crohn's disease-like features, particularly the fistulizing phenotype, underscores the importance of proactive monitoring and therapeutic intervention.

LIMITATIONS

The limitations include no explicit criteria for article selection.

CONCLUSIONS

This review suggests future research should seek to understand the natural history and meaningful shorter and longer term therapeutic targets for these types of pouch phenotypes. Long-term follow-up and prospective preoperative and postoperative interventional trials of treatments and prevention strategies are needed.

Endoscopic Therapy for Pouch Leaks and Strictures: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Patients with ulcerative colitis refractory to medication or familial adenomatous polyposis may require ileal pouch-anal anastomosis after a colectomy. IPAA is generally well tolerated. However, patients can experience posttreatment complications, including pouch strictures and leaks. Medical therapy has a limited role in mechanical fibrotic strictures, whereas surgery is invasive and costly. In the past few decades, endoscopic therapies have provided a less invasive and less costly intervention for pouch strictures and leaks.

OBJECTIVE

This systematic literature review aimed to describe the status of advancements in endoscopic therapy for pouch leaks and strictures.

DATA SOURCES

The sources used were PubMed and Cochrane databases.

STUDY SELECTION

Studies between January 1990 and January 2022, in any language, were included. Articles regarding surgical management or pouches other than adult ileal pouch-anal anastomosis were excluded.

INTERVENTIONS

Endoscopic management of acute and chronic leaks and strictures ileal pouch-anal anastomosis was included.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Successful management (including persistent leak or stricture, pouch failure, subsequent endoscopy, or surgery) was measured.

RESULTS

Sixty-one studies were included in this review, including 4 meta-analyses or systematic reviews, 11 reviews, 17 cohort studies, and 18 case series.

LIMITATIONS

The limitations include qualitative review of all study types, with no randomized controlled studies available.

CONCLUSION

Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis leaks are various in configuration, and endoscopic therapies have included clipping leaks at the tip of the "J" as well as endoscopic sinusotomy. Endoscopic therapies for pouch strictures have included endoscopic balloon dilation, endoscopic stricturotomy, and endoscopic stricturoplasty, which are now considered first-line therapies for pouch strictures. Endoscopic balloon dilation has shown safety and efficacy in single, short, and straight strictures and endoscopic stricturotomy for refractory long, fibrotic, anastomotic strictures. Endoscopic therapies can delay or prevent invasive surgeries. Key tenets of successful endoscopic therapy include patient and lesion candidacy, an experienced endoscopist, and adequate rescue surgery plans.

Therapeutic Endoscopy in Postoperative Pouch Complications

Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) or "J"-pouch as it is commonly referred to, is the treatment of choice in patients with medically refractory ulcerative colitis. IPAA can have infectious, inflammatory, and mechanical complications. Currently, there are no Food and Drug Administration-approved medical therapies for these complications. Surgery that may be eventually required can have significant morbidities due to the complexity of IPAA. Endoscopy is fast emerging as a leading modality of treatment for some of these pouch complications. Endoscopy in adjunct with medical treatment can help manage the majority of pouch-related disorders and improve the outcome.

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

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

Endoscopic treatment of pouch inlet and afferent limb strictures: stricturotomy vs. balloon dilation

BACKGROUND

Strictures are common complications after ileal pouch surgery. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic stricturotomy vs. endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD) in the treatment of pouch inlet strictures.

METHODS

All consecutive ulcerative colitis patients with the diagnosis of pouch inlet or afferent limb strictures treated in our Interventional Inflammatory Bowel Disease Unit (i-IBD) from 2008 to 2017 were extracted. The primary outcomes were surgery-free survival and post-procedural complications.

RESULTS

A total of 200 eligible patients were included in this study, with 40 (20.0%) patients treated with endoscopic stricturotomy and 160 (80.0%) patients treated with EBD. Symptom improvement was recorded in 11 (42.3%) patients treated with endoscopic stricturotomy and 16 (13.2%) treated with EBD. Subsequent surgery rate was comparable between the two groups (9 [22.5%] vs. 33 [20.6%], P = 0.80) during a median follow-up of 0.6 years (interquartile range [IQR] 0.4-0.8) vs. 3.6 years (IQR 1.1-6.2) in patients receiving endoscopic stricturotomy and EBD, respectively. The overall surgery-free survival seems to be comparable as well (P = 0.12). None of the patients in the stricturotomy group developed pouch failure, while 9 patients (5.6%) had pouch failure in the balloon dilation group (P = 0.17). Procedural bleeding was seen in three occasions (4.7% per procedure) in patients receiving endoscopic stricturotomy and perforation was seen in three occasions (0.8% per procedure) in patients receiving EBD (P = 0.02). In multivariable analysis, an increased length of the stricture (hazard ratio [HR] 1.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.0-1.8) and concurrent pouchitis (HR 2.5, 95% CI 1.0-5.7) were found to be risk factors for the requirement of surgery.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic stricturotomy and EBD were both effective in treating patients with pouch inlet or afferent limb strictures, EBD had a higher perforation risk while endoscopic stricturotomy had a higher bleeding risk.

Practical guidelines on endoscopic treatment for Crohn's disease strictures: a consensus statement from the Global Interventional Inflammatory Bowel Disease Group

Stricture formation is a common complication of Crohn's disease, resulting from the disease process, surgery, or drugs. Endoscopic balloon dilation has an important role in the management of strictures, with emerging techniques, such as endoscopic electroincision and stenting, showing promising results. The underlying disease process, altered bowel anatomy from disease or surgery, and concurrent use of immunosuppressive drugs can make endoscopic procedures more challenging. There is an urgent need for the standardisation of endoscopic procedures and peri-procedural management strategies. On the basis of an extensive literature review and the clinical experience of the consensus group, which consisted of representatives from the Interventional Inflammatory Bowel Disease Group, we propose detailed guidance on all aspects of the principles and techniques for endoscopic procedures in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease-associated strictures.

Endoscopic management of inflammatory bowel disease-associated complications

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The main complications of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are strictures, fistulas, abscesses, and colitis-associated neoplasia. In addition to diagnosis, disease monitoring, and surveillance, endoscopy plays an important role in the management of those complications. This review is to provide up-to-date information in endoscopic treatment modalities for those complications.

RECENT FINDINGS

The endoscopic therapy of IBD complication has evolved from balloon dilation of strictures to endoscopic stricturotomy, strictureplasty, stenting, fistulotomy, sinusotomy, and neoplasia ablation. These endoscopic approaches have provided minimally invasive treatment for those complications.

SUMMARY

The advances in interventional IBD may be credited to our better understanding of the disease process and nature of targeted lesion, and execution of updated principles and techniques of endoscopy.

Endoscopic stricturotomy in the treatment of anastomotic strictures in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and non-IBD patients

Backgrounds

Endoscopic stricturotomy (ESt) has been shown to be effective in treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)-associated anastomotic strictures. However, the outcome of ESt in benign, non-IBD conditions has not been described. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of ESt in the management of IBD and non-IBD-associated strictures.

Methods

Data of all consecutive IBD and non-IBD patients with benign anastomotic strictures treated with ESt from 2009 to 2016 were extracted. The primary outcomes were surgery-free survival and procedure-related complications.

Results

A total of 49 IBD and 15 non-IBD patients were included in this study. The IBD group included 25 patients with Crohn’s disease and 24 with ulcerative colitis and ileal pouches. Underlying diseases in the non-IBD group included colorectal cancer (n = 7), diverticulitis (n = 5), large bowel prolapse (n = 2), and constipation (n = 1). Immediate technical success was achieved in all patients in both groups. Bleeding complications occurred on five occasions (4.7% per procedure) in the IBD group, while no complication occurred in the non-IBD group (P = 0.20). Stricture improvement on follow-up endoscopy was found in 10 (20.4%) and 5 (33.3%) patients in the IBD and non-IBD groups, respectively (P = 0.32). Six (12.2%) patients in the IBD group and four (26.7%) patients in the non-IBD group eventually required stricture-related surgery (P = 0.23). IBD patients appeared to have a higher tendency for maintaining surgery-free after the procedure than non-IBD patients (P = 0.08).

Conclusions

Endoscopic stricturotomy was shown to have comparable outcomes, though non-IBD patients seem to have a higher need for subsequent surgery but a lower complication rate than IBD patients.

Endoscopic stricturotomy versus ileocolonic resection in the treatment of ileocolonic anastomotic strictures in Crohn's disease

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Endoscopic stricturotomy (ESt) is a novel technique in the treatment of anastomotic strictures in Crohn's disease (CD). The aim of this study was to compare the outcome of patients with ileocolonic anastomotic stricture treated with ESt versus ileocolonic resection (ICR).

METHODS

This historical cohort study included consecutive CD patients with ileocolonic anastomotic stricture treated with ESt or ICR from 2010 to 2017. The primary outcomes were surgery-free survival and postprocedural adverse events.

RESULTS

Thirty-five patients treated with ESt and 147 patients treated with ICR were analyzed. Median follow-up was .8 years (interquartile range [IQR], .2-1.7) and 2.2 years (IQR, 1.2-4.4) in the ESt and ICR groups, respectively (P < .001). Subsequent stricture-related surgery was needed in 4 patients (11.3%) receiving ESt and in 15 patients (10.2%) receiving ICR (P = .83). Kaplan-Meier analysis also showed no statistical difference regarding surgery-free survival between the 2 groups (P = .24). Procedure-related major adverse events were documented in 5 of 49 patients (10.2% per procedure) undergoing ESt and 47 patients (31.9%) undergoing ICR (P = .003). Risk factors for decreased surgery-free survival on multivariate analysis included preprocedural corticosteroids (hazard ratio [HR], 2.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.0-8.1), multiple strictures (HR, 4.9; 95% CI, 1.7-14.2), and increased disease-related hospitalizations (HR, 4.0; 95% CI, 1.2-13.0).

CONCLUSIONS

With the limitation of a shorter follow-up, ESt achieved comparable surgery-free survival with a decreased morbidity when compared with ICR.

A Comprehensive Approach to Pouch Disorders

Restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) is the surgical procedure of choice for patients with medically refractory ulcerative colitis (UC) or indeterminate colitis, UC with colonic dysplasia or neoplasia, and familial adenomatous polyposis. In general, patients experience good function outcomes and quality of life with an IPAA. Although pouchitis is the most well-recognized and frequent complication after IPAA, a number of additional inflammatory, postsurgical, structural, neoplastic, and functional complications may occur, resulting in pouch dysfunction. We herein provide a comprehensive review of pouch function and an approach to diagnosis and management of pouch complications.

Role of interventional inflammatory bowel disease in the era of biologic therapy: a position statement from the Global Interventional IBD Group

Interventional (or therapeutic) inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) endoscopy has an expanding role in the treatment of disease and surgical adverse events. Endoscopic therapy has been explored and used in the management of strictures, fistulas/abscesses, colitis-associated neoplasia, postsurgical acute or chronic leaks, and obstructions. The endoscopic therapeutic modalities include balloon dilation, stricturotomy, stent placement, fistulotomy, fistula injection and clipping, sinusotomy, EMR, and endoscopic submucosal dissection. With a better understanding of the disease course of IBD, improved long-term impact of medical therapy, and advances in endoscopic technology, we can foresee interventional IBD becoming an integrated part of the multidisciplinary approach to patients with complex IBD.

Endoscopy in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Position Paper on Behalf of the Porto IBD Group of the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition

Endoscopy is a central tool for the evaluation and management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In the last few decades, gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy has undergone significant technological developments including availability of pediatric-size equipment, enabling comprehensive investigation of the GI tract in children. Simultaneously, professional organization of GI experts have developed guidelines and training programs in pediatric GI endoscopy. This prompted the Porto Group on Pediatric IBD of the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition to develop updated guidelines on the role of GI endoscopy in pediatric IBD, specifically taking into considerations of recent advances in the diagnosis, disease stratification, and novel therapeutic targets in these patients.

Modified Pfannenstiel Open Approach as an Alternative to Laparoscopic Total Proctocolectomy and IPAA: Comparison of Short- and Long-term Outcomes and Quality of Life

BACKGROUND

A laparoscopic approach to total proctocolectomy with IPAA has been suggested to have better short-term outcomes and cosmesis, whereas open surgery by midline incision may result in shorter operative times. We hypothesized that a modified Pfannenstiel open approach would combine the advantages of both techniques.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes of open total proctocolectomy with IPAA using a modified Pfannenstiel incision versus those following the laparoscopic approach.

DESIGN

This was a retrospective study comparing patients submitted to open IPAA using modified Pfannenstiel incision versus laparoscopy from 1998 to 2014.

SETTINGS

The study was conducted at a high-volume tertiary referral center.

PATIENTS

Among 1275 patients, 119 patients underwent the laparoscopic approach and 33 underwent the modified Pfannenstiel approach.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Short- and long-term outcomes were evaluated, and quality-of-life questionnaires were assessed.

RESULTS

Patients who underwent the modified Pfannenstiel approach were younger, more often women, and had lower BMI and ASA classification compared with those who underwent laparoscopy. Surgical time was lower in Pfannenstiel, and no difference was observed in length of hospital stay. No difference was observed in postoperative complications, pouch failure rate, or quality of life. Patients were then matched 1:1 by diagnosis, sex, age (±5 y) and BMI (±5 kg/m). The Pfannenstiel approach still had a shorter surgical time. No difference was observed in the length of hospital stay, complications, pouch failure, or quality of life. In long-term follow-up, pouchitis symptoms occurred more frequently in Pfannenstiel (mean follow-up = 7.3 y), and seepage was more frequently observed in the laparoscopy group (mean follow-up = 4.2 y). These differences were not observed in matched patients.

LIMITATIONS

The study was limited by its retrospective design and inherent selection bias.

CONCLUSIONS

The modified Pfannenstiel approach provides equivalent short- and long-term outcomes and similar quality of life compared with laparoscopy but with a significantly shorter operative time. The modified Pfannenstiel approach to total proctocolectomy with IPAA may be the most efficient method in selected patients. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A562.

Endoscopic Stricturotomy Versus Balloon Dilation in the Treatment of Anastomotic Strictures in Crohn's Disease

BACKGROUND

Current treatment modalities for anastomotic stricture in Crohn's disease (CD) include endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD) and surgery. We recently published a case series of inflammatory bowel disease patients treated with the novel endoscopic stricturotomy (ES). The aim of this case-control study was to compare the efficacy and safety of ES versus conventional EBD in the treatment of anastomotic strictures in CD patients.

METHODS

All eligible patients with CD anastomotic stricture who were treated with ES or EBD were included. The primary outcomes were surgery-free survival and post-procedural complications.

RESULTS

A total of 185 patients were studied, including 21 treated with ES since 2009, and 164 treated with EBD since 1998. The immediate technical success after therapy was achieved in 100% of patients treated with ES and 89.5% of patients with EBD. Symptomatic and endoscopic improvement rates were higher in those treated with ES than EBD. Subsequent surgery was needed in 2 (9.5%) patients with ES and 55 (33.5%) with EBD (P = 0.03), during a median of 0.8 (interquartile range [IQR]:0.1-1.6) year and 4.0 (IQR: 0.8-6.9) years, respectively. Five procedure-associated perforation (1.1% per procedure) occurred in the EBD group and none in the ES group. In contrast, 4 procedure-associated, transfusion-required bleeding (8.8% per procedure) occurred in the ES group and none in the EBD group.

CONCLUSIONS

ES appears to be more effective in treating CD patients with anastomotic stricture than EBD. Although ES may have a lower risk for perforation, the procedure needs to be perfected to reduce its bleeding risk.

Role of endoscopy in inflammatory bowel disease

Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) constitute the two most common phenotypes of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Ileocolonoscopy with biopsy has been considered the gold standard for the diagnosis of IBD. Differential diagnosis of CD and UC is important, as their medical and surgical treatment modalities and prognoses can be different. However, approximately 15% of patients with IBD are misdiagnosed as IBD unclassified due to the lack of diagnostic certainty of CD or UC. Recently, there has been increased recognition of the role of the therapeutic endoscopist in the field of IBD. Newer imaging techniques have been developed to aid in the differentiation of UC vs CD. Furthermore, endoscopic balloon dilation and stenting have become an integral part of the therapeutic armamentarium of CD stricture management. Endoscopic ultrasound has been recognized as being more accurate than magnetic resonance imaging in detecting perianal fistulae in patients with CD. Additionally, chromoendoscopy may help to detect dysplasia earlier compared with white-light colonoscopy. Hence, interventional endoscopy has become a cornerstone in the diagnosis, treatment and management of IBD complications. The role of endoscopy in the field of IBD has significantly evolved in recent years from small-bowel imaging to endoscopic balloon dilation and use of chormoendoscopy in dysplasia surveillance. In this review article, we discuss the current evidence on interventional endoscopy in the diagnosis, treatment and management of IBD compications.

A Systematic Review: The Management and Outcomes of Ileal Pouch Strictures

BACKGROUND

Restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis removes the diseased tissue in ulcerative colitis but also allows gastrointestinal continuity and stoma-free living. Pouch strictures are a complication with a reported incidence of 5-38%. The three areas where pouch strictures occur are in the pouch inlet, mid-pouch and pouch-anal anastomosis.

AIM

To undertake a systematic review of the literature and to identify management strategies available for pouch-anal, mid-pouch and pre-pouch ileal strictures and their outcomes.

METHODS

A computer-assisted search of the online bibliographic databases MEDLINE and EMBASE limited to 1966 to February 2016 was performed. Randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, observational studies and case reports were considered. Those where data could not be extracted were excluded.

RESULTS

Twenty-two articles were considered eligible. Pouch-anal strictures have been initially managed using predominately dilators which include bougie and Hegar dilators with various surgical procedures advocated when initial dilatation fails. Mid-pouch strictures are relatively unstudied with both medical, endoscopic and surgical management reported as successful. Pouch inlet strictures can be safely managed using a combined medical and endoscopic approach.

CONCLUSION

The limited evidence available suggests that pouch-anal strictures are best treated in a stepwise fashion with initial treatment to include digital or instrumental dilatation followed by surgical revision or resection. Management of mid-pouch strictures requires a combination of medical, endoscopic and surgical management. Pouch inlet strictures are best managed using a combined medical and endoscopic approach. Future studies should compare different treatment modalities on separate stricture locations to enable an evidenced-based treatment algorithm.

Interventional IBD: The Role of Endoscopist in the Multidisciplinary Team Management of IBD

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been traditionally managed by IBD medical doctors or IBDologists and colorectal surgeons. Complications related to IBD and IBD surgery, such as stricture, fistula, and abscess, are common. For the past decade, endoscopic therapy has emerged as a valid treatment option for those complications. Endoscopic therapy provides more effective therapy for those structural complications than medical treatment, while being a less invasive approach than surgery. Endoscopic therapy plays a growing role in bridging medical and surgical therapies and is becoming an important component in the multidisciplinary approach to complex IBD. In fact, endoscopic therapy has become the treatment of choice for anastomotic stricture and anastomotic sinus. The role of endoscopic resection of colitis-associated neoplasia is currently being explored. Interventional IBD is intellectually and technically challenging. We are calling for proper teaching and training of our next generation of IBD interventionists.

Endoscopic Stricturotomy with Needle Knife in the Treatment of Strictures from Inflammatory Bowel Disease

BACKGROUND

Fibrotic strictures in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are often not amenable to medical therapy. Therapy with endoscopic balloon dilation usually requires frequent repeat treatments. Therefore, we developed the novel needle knife stricturotomy (NKSt) for the treatment of strictures in the patients with IBD. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of NKSt.

METHODS

Data of patients with strictures treated with NKSt in our Interventional IBD Unit at the Cleveland Clinic were extracted from the registry. The primary and secondary outcomes were surgery-free survival and procedure-related complications.

RESULTS

A total of 85 patients were included in this study. Multiple strictures were noticed in 30 (35.3%) patients at inception, giving a total of 127 strictures treated. The median length of the treated strictures was 1.5 cm (interquartile range: 1.0-2.0) and 52 (41.6%) were endoscopically nontraversable. The immediate success with passage of the scope through the stricture after NKSt therapy was achieved in all patients. During the median follow-up of 0.9 years (interquartile range: 0.3-1.8) and a median of 2.0 treatment (interquartile range: 1.0-3.0), 13 (15.3%) patients required stricture-related surgery. There were 77 (60.6%) patients who required additional NKSt, endoscopic balloon dilation, or both after the inception of NKSt. In a total of 272 NKSt procedures performed, 10 (3.7%) adverse events occurred, including 9 with delayed bleeding and one hospitalization due to perforation.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic NKSt is effective and safe for treating the primary and secondary IBD-related strictures, which may provide an alternative for endoscopic balloon dilation and surgical intervention.

Endoscopic evaluation of surgically altered bowel in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases

Patients with inflammatory bowel diseases often undergo surgical procedures for medically refractory disease or colitis associated dysplasia. Endoscopic evaluation of the surgically altered bowel is often needed to assess for disease recurrence, its severity, and for therapy. It is important to obtain and review the operative report and abdominal imaging before performing the endoscopy. Diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy can be safely performed in most patients with inflammatory bowel disease with altered bowel anatomy under conscious sedation without fluoroscopy. Carefully planned stricture therapy with balloon dilation or needle knife stricturotomy can be performed for simple, short, and fibrotic strictures. A multidisciplinary approach involving a team of endoscopist, endoscopy nurse, colorectal surgeon, gastrointestinal pathologist, and gastrointestinal radiologist is important for a safe and effective endoscopy. We attempt to review the aspects that need consideration before the endoscopy, the technique of endoscopy, and briefly the therapies that can be performed during endoscopy of the bowel through an ileostomy, a colostomy, in the diverted large bowel or ileal pouch, and small bowel after stricturoplasty and bowel bypass surgery in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases.

Risk factors for Crohn’s disease of the neo-small intestine in ulcerative colitis patients with total proctocolectomy and primary or secondary ileostomies

BACKGROUND

De novo Crohn’s disease (CD) of the neo-small intestine in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients after total proctocolectomy (TPC) is a new disease entity, which may persist even after a secondary diverting permanent ileostomy for pouch failure. We sought to compare outcomes of primary ileostomy (PI, i.e., stoma created after colectomy without trying of ileal pouch) and secondary ileostomy (SI, i.e., stoma created after pouch failure) and to evaluate factors associated with the development of CD of the neo-small intestine proximal to ileostomy.

METHODS

A total of 123 eligible patients were identified from our Pouch Center Registry (PI group, n = 57 and SI group, n = 66). Demographics, clinical features and outcomes (CD of theneo-small intestine, non-CD related strictures, requirement of CD-related medications use, ileostomy-associated hospitalization, ileostomy failure with stoma revision/relocation, and shortgut syndrome) were compared. Step-wise logistic regression models were performed.

RESULTS

The median follow-up for the whole cohort was 5.0 (2.0–12.0) years. Younger age at diagnosis and surgery, family history of IBD, toxic megacolon/fulminant colitis, pre-diversion severe diarrhea, prediversion anti-TNF biological therapy, arthralgia/arthropathy and staged surgery were more common in the SI group (p < 0.05). In multivariate analysis, the presence of SI [odds ratio (OR), 8.23; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.43–27.85], family history of IBD (OR, 9.14; 95% CI, 3.13–26.69), and pre-diversion of weight loss (OR, 3.72; 95% CI, 1.23–11.21) were contributing factors for developing CD of the neo-small intestine.

CONCLUSIONS

CD of the neo-small intestine in stoma patients was associated with the presence of SI, family history of IBD, and pre-diversion poor nutrition status. Patients with secondary ileostomy due to pouch failure should be carefully monitored. Aggressive medical, endoscopic or surgical therapy may be needed in patients at risk, before permanent diversion.

Endoscopic therapy in inflammatory bowel diseases (with videos)

Endoscopic therapies are important modalities in the treatment of IBD, adjunct to medical and surgical approaches. These therapeutic techniques are particularly useful in the management of IBD-associated or IBD surgery–associated strictures, fistulas, and sinuses and colitis-associated neoplasia. Although the main focus of endoscopic therapies in IBD has been on balloon stricture dilation and ablation of adenoma-like lesions, new endoscopic approaches are emerging, including needle-knife stricturotomy, needle-knife sinusotomy, endoscopic stent placement, and fistula tract injection. Risk management of endoscopy-associated adverse events is also evolving. The application of endoscopic techniques in novel ways in the treatment of IBD is just beginning and will likely expand rapidly in the near future.