Salvage surgery for pouch-related complication after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis: a report of two cases

BACKGROUND

Pouch-related complications (PRCs), such as pelvic abscesses and perianal complex fistulas, can occur after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) in ulcerative colitis (UC). They are often difficult to treat and require salvage surgery. We report two cases of PRC associated with fistulas.

CASE PRESENTATION

First case: A 38-year-old man was diagnosed with UC at age 26 years. Four months after the diagnosis of UC, the patient underwent hand-assisted laparoscopic restorative proctocolectomy, IPAA, and ileostomy for acute fulminant UC. Two years after the closure of the ileostomy, the patient developed a perianal abscess and underwent ileostomy reconstruction. He was referred to our department at 35 years of age, because his symptoms did not improve despite repeated seton drainage of a complicated perineal fistula. We diagnosed PRC with a pelvic abscess and complicated pouch fistula and performed salvage surgery. This diagnosis was revised to Crohn's disease.

SECOND CASE

A 50-year-old man was diagnosed with UC at age 18 years and was administered high doses of steroids; however, his symptoms did not improve. He underwent restorative proctocolectomy, IPAA, and ileostomy at another hospital. The ileostomy was closed, and his condition stabilized thereafter. At 35 years of age, perianal pain developed, and he was diagnosed with a complicated pouch-perineal fistula. A fistula was observed near the staple line of the ileal end closure on the head side of the pouch. Reconstruction of the ileostomy and seton drainage were performed; however, his symptoms did not improve, and he was referred to our hospital. We diagnosed PRC with a pelvic abscess and a complicated pouch fistula and performed salvage surgery. The resected specimen showed strictures in two locations: at the oral site of the afferent limb (at the pouch) and at the IPAA. Both patients returned to society and are currently outpatients.

CONCLUSIONS

We encountered two cases of PRC after IPAA that did not improve with seton drainage or ileostomy. Pouch resection was performed after considering the patient's quality of life and reintegration into society.

Redo ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for early versus late sepsis-related pouch failure

BACKGROUND

Pouch failure after restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis occurs in 5% to 15% of cases, mostly due to septic complications. We aimed to determine if the timing of pouch failure impacted long-term outcomes for redo ileal pouch-anal anastomosis after sepsis-related complications.

METHOD

We retrospectively analyzed our prospectively collected institutional pouch database. Patients who underwent redo ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for septic complications between 1988 and 2020 were divided into an early (pouch failure within 6 months of stoma closure after index operation, or stoma never closed) and a late failure group (pouch failure after 6 months of stoma closure). The primary endpoint was pouch survival.

RESULTS

In total, 335 patients were included: 241 (72%) in the early and 94 (28%) in the late failure group. The most common indication for failure was an anastomotic leak in the early failure group (163, 68%) and fistula in the late failure group (59, 63%), P < .001. Pouch survival at 3, 5, and 10 years was 77%, 75%, and 72% for the early and 79%, 75%, and 68% for the late failure group (P = .94). The most common reason for redo pouch failure was fistula in both groups. Quality of life was similar in both groups. In multivariate analysis, the only factor associated with pouch failure was the final diagnosis of Crohn's disease.

CONCLUSION

Outcomes after redo ileal pouch-anal anastomosis were comparable between patients with early and late sepsis-related index pouch failure, with acceptable rates of long-term pouch survival and good quality of life.

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

BACKGROUND

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

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSION

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

Ileoanal pouch-related fistulae: A systematic review with meta-analysis on incidence, treatment options and outcomes

BACKGROUND

Ileoanal pouch related fistulae (PRF) are a complication of restorative proctocolectomy often requiring repeated surgical interventions and with a high risk of long-term recurrence and pouch failure.

AIMS

To assess the incidence of PRF and to report on the outcomes of available surgical treatments.

METHODS

A PRISMA-compliant systematic literature search for articles reporting on PRF in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) from 1985 to 2020.

RESULTS

34 studies comprising 770 patients with PRF after ileal-pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) were included. Incidence of PRF was 1.5-12%. In IBD patients Crohn's Disease (CD) was responsible for one every four pouch-vaginal fistulae (PVF) (OR 24.7; p=0.001). The overall fistula recurrence was 49.4%; procedure-specific recurrence was: repeat IPAA (OR 42.1; GRADE +); transvaginal repair (OR 52.3; GRADE ++) and transanal ileal pouch advancement flap (OR 56.9; GRADE ++). The overall failure rate was 19%: pouch excision (OR 0.20; GRADE ++); persistence of diverting stoma (OR 0.13; GRADE +) and persistent fistula (OR 0.18; GRADE +).

CONCLUSION

PVFs are more frequent compared to other types of PRF and are often associated to CD; surgical treatment has a risk of 50% recurrence. Repeat IPAA is the best surgical approach with a 42.1% recurrence rate.

Management and Outcomes of Ileal Pouch-Urethral Fistulas

OBJECTIVE

To describe a single-center experience with the management of ileal pouch-urethral fistulas (IPUF) following restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA).

METHODS

We retrospectively identified patients with documented IPUF managed at our institution from a urethral fistula cohort and analyzed their cases.

RESULTS

Thirteen patients who underwent surgeries for IPUF management from 2005-2022 were identified. Median age at IPAA was 29 years (range 11-53). Indications for IPAA included familial adenomatous polyposis (n=3) and ulcerative colitis (n=10). Median time from IPAA to fistula diagnosis was 15 years (range 0.5-38.5). Eleven patients were initially diverted with either loop (n=8) or end ileostomy (n=3). Overall, two patients had resolution of IPUF symptoms with a loop ileostomy alone and eight eventually underwent pouch excision with end ileostomy, one of which subsequently underwent redo IPAA. Seven patients were managed with primary closure of the urethral defect at the time of pouch excision, five of which also underwent gracilis muscle interposition. With a median follow-up of 4 years (range 0.3-13 years), all patients had resolution of their fistulae without any recurrences.

CONCLUSION

IPUFs are a rare complication after IPAA. In this cohort, all patients had their urinary tract preserved, but most ultimately had permanent fecal diversion. These results can help guide management of this complex issue.

Stoma-less IPAA Is Not Associated With Increased Anastomotic Leak Rate or Long-term Pouch Failure in Patients With Ulcerative Colitis

BACKGROUND

There is debate regarding the utility of diverting loop ileostomy with IPAA construction in patients requiring colectomy for ulcerative colitis.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine whether the omission of diverting loop ileostomy at the time of IPAA construction increases the risk of complications.

DESIGN

This was a retrospective study.

SETTINGS

The study was conducted in a high-volume, quaternary referral center with an IBD program.

PATIENTS

The patients, who underwent IPAA with or without ileostomy, were diagnosed for ulcerative colitis.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Anastomotic leak rate and pouch failure rates were determined between patients who either had a diverting ileostomy at the time of IPAA creation or had stoma-less IPAA.

RESULTS

Of the 414 patients included in this study, 91 had stoma-less IPAA. When compared to IPAA with diverting loop ileostomy, patients with stoma-less IPAA were less likely to be taking prednisone and had decreased blood loss. Short- and long-term outcomes were similar when comparing stoma-less IPAA and IPAA with diverting loop ileostomy, with no significant difference in anastomotic leak rate and long-term pouch failure rates. Diverting loop ileostomy was associated with a 14.6% risk of complication at the time of stoma reversal.

LIMITATIONS

The study is limited by its retrospective nature.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study suggest that the omission of a diverting ileostomy is feasible in select patients undergoing IPAA. Stoma-less IPAA does not have a statistically significant higher risk of anastomotic leak or pouch failure when compared to IPAA with diverting loop ileostomy in properly selected patients. Diverting loop ileostomies have their own risks, which partially offset their perceived safety. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B891 .LA ANASTOMÓSIS DE RESERVORIO ILEAL AL ANO SIN ESTOMA NO ESTÁ ASOCIADO CON UN AUMENTO EN LA TASA DE FUGA ANASTOMÓTICA O DISFUNCIÓN DE LA BOLSA A LARGO PLAZO EN PACIENTES CON COLITIS ULCERATIVA.

ANTECEDENTES

Existe debate en lo que respecta a la utilidad de efectuar una ileostomía en asa en la construcción de una anastomosis de reservorio ileal al ano en pacientes que requieren colectomía para colitis ulcerativa.

OBJETIVO

Determinar si el evitar una ileostomía de derivación en el momento de efectuar una anstomósis de reservorio ileal al ano aumenta el riesgo de complicaciones.

DISEO

Estudio retrospectivo.

REFERENCIA

Centro de referencia de cuarto nivel de grandes volúmenes con programa de enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal.

PACIENTES

Con diagnóstico de colitis ulcerativa sometidos a anastomosis de reservorio ileal al ano con o sin ileostomía derivative.

PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADOS

Tasa de fuga anastomótica y disfunción del reservorio en pacientes sometidos a anastomosis de reservorio ileal al ano con ileostomía derivativa en el mismo evento y aquellos sin derivación de protección.

RESULTADOS

De los 414 pacientes incluídos en el estudio, 91 no contaban con ileostomía de protección de la anastomosis del reservorio ileal al ano. Al comprarse con aquellos con ileostomía derivativa, aquellos sin estoma requirieron menor dosis de prednisona y presentaron menor pérdida sanguínea. Los resultados a corto y largo plazo fueron similares al comprar ambos grupos sin haber evidencia significativa de fuga anastomótica o falla del reservorio a largo plazo. La derivación con ileostomía en asa se asoció en un 14.6% de riesgo de complicaciones al efectuar el cierre de la misma.

LIMITACIONES

Es una revision retrospectiva.

CONCLUSIONES

: Los resultados de este estudio sugieren que la omisión de una ileostomía de protección es posible en pacientes seleccionados sometidos a una anastomosis de reservorio ileoanal. La anastomosis sin derivación de protección no confiere un riesgo estadísticamente significativo de fuga anastomótica o disfunción de la misma al compararse con el procedimiento con estoma derivativo en pacientes seleccionados. Las ileostomías de derivación en asa tienen su propia morbilidad que cuestiona la perfección de su seguridad. Consulte Video Resumen at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B891 . (Traducción- Dr. Miguel Esquivel-Herrera ).

Histopathology of Colectomy Specimens Predicts Endoscopic Pouch Phenotype in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis

BACKGROUND

The endoscopic appearance in patients with "pouchitis" after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) for ulcerative colitis (UC) can be quite heterogenous. Patients with an endoscopic phenotype resembling Crohn's disease (CD) are at high risk of pouch loss.

AIMS

We aimed to assess how the histopathology of colectomy specimens predicts endoscopic pouch phenotypes in UC.

METHODS

We retrospectively assessed pouchoscopies from patients with UC who underwent IPAA and classified pouch findings into 7 main phenotypes: (1) normal, (2) afferent limb involvement, (3) inlet involvement, (4) diffuse, (5) focal inflammation of the pouch body, (6) cuffitis, and (7) pouch with fistulas noted ≥ 6 months from ileostomy takedown. We assessed the clinical and pathological data including deep, focal inflammation, granulomas, and terminal ileal involvement in the colectomy specimens. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify contributing factors to each phenotype.

RESULTS

This study included 1,203 pouchoscopies from 382 patients with UC. On multivariable analysis, deep inflammation was significantly associated with pouch fistulas (Odds ratio 3.27; 95% confidence interval 1.65-6.47; P = 0.0007). Of the 75 patients with deep inflammation, only two patients (2.7%) were diagnosed with CD based on pathology review. Terminal ileal involvement significantly increased the risk of afferent limb involvement (Odds ratio 2.96; 95% confidence interval 1.04-8.47; P = 0.04). There were no significant associations between other microscopic features and phenotypes.

CONCLUSIONS

We identify histologic features of colectomy specimens in UC that predict subsequent pouch phenotypes. Particularly, deep inflammation in the resected colon was significantly associated with pouch fistulas, a pouch phenotype with poor prognosis.

The pouch behaving badly: management of morbidity after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis

AIM

Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA), or a 'pouch', allows restoration of intestinal continuity after proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis or familial adenomatous polyposis. Most patients have a good long-term outcome after IPAA, but in a significant proportion the functional outcome and quality of life are unsatisfactory. We term this outcome 'the pouch behaving badly'. Managing this, especially one is when unfamiliar with the possible underlying pathologies, is a challenge for both patient and clinician. We aim to outline the clinical approach to the pouch behaving badly, highlighting key aspects of investigation and management.

METHOD

This is a narrative review of the literature covering the investigation and management of postoperative complications and morbidity after IPAA.

RESULTS

Management of the pouch behaving badly requires a careful clinical assessment. The patient may present with multiple symptoms and a clear picture of the symptomatology and past history should be constructed before thorough examination and specialist investigation. We divide the pathology that underlies this clinical scenario into surgical, inflammatory, mechanical, functional and dysplastic causes and outline the investigation and management of each one.

CONCLUSION

The pouch behaving badly is a challenging problem for both patient and clinician. A detailed clinical assessment with careful specialist investigation is key to diagnosing the underlying pathology. We stress the importance of patient-centred care - the aim is to improve quality of life.

Crohn's Disease after Proctocolectomy and IPAA for Ulcerative Colitis

BACKGROUND

Proctocolectomy with IPAA is considered curative for ulcerative colitis. However, signs of Crohn's disease can develop postoperatively in some cases.

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to document the postoperative diagnosis of Crohn's disease, to identify potential preoperative predictive factors, and to review the evolution of patients on treatment.

DESIGN

This is a retrospective cohort study.

SETTINGS

This study was conducted at a tertiary care center in Montreal, Canada.

PATIENTS

A total of 301 patients underwent an IPAA for ulcerative colitis between 1985 and 2014.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was the cumulative incidence of the postoperative diagnosis of Crohn's disease.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up of 68 months, Crohn's disease was diagnosed at a median time of 77 months (8-270) in 38 patients (12.6%). The cumulative incidence of Crohn's disease was 7.5% at 5 years postoperatively and gradually increased to 17.7% and 33.0% at 10 and 20 years. The following predictive factors for Crohn's disease were observed on univariate analysis: current tobacco smoking at surgery (HR 3.56 (95% CI, 1.54-8.22)), suspicion of indeterminate colitis (HR 3.50 (95% CI, 1.69-7.24)), presence of mouth ulcers before surgery (HR 2.16 (95% CI, 1.03-4.53)), and age at diagnosis of ulcerative colitis (HR 0.94 (95% CI, 0.90-0.97)). Suspicion of indeterminate colitis (HR 3.18 (95% CI 1.46-6.93); p = 0.004) and age at diagnosis (HR 0.95 (95% CI, 0.91-0.99); p = 0.018) remained statistically significant on multivariate analysis. Postoperative inflammatory disease was controlled by medical therapy in most patients. Removal of the pouch was necessary in 16% of patients with Crohn's disease.

LIMITATIONS

This was a retrospective single-center study.

CONCLUSIONS

Diagnosis of Crohn's disease can occur at a distance from surgery with an increasing cumulative incidence over time. Preoperative predictive factors are few and should not determine candidacy for surgery. Therapeutic options are identical to those available for treatment of typical Crohn's disease and allow a favorable evolution in most patients. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B372.

BROTE DE CROHN DESPUS DE UNA PROCTOCOLECTOMA CON ANASTOMOSIS DE RESERVORIO LEOANAL EN CASOS DE COLITIS ULCEROSA

ANTECEDENTES:La proctocolectomía con reservorio ileo-anal se considera curativa para la colitis ulcerosa. Sin embargo, signos de enfermedad de Crohn pueden desarrollarse después de la operación en algunos casos.OBJETIVO:Nuestro objetivo fue documentar el diagnóstico postoperatorio de la enfermedad de Crohn, identificar posibles factores predictivos preoperatorios y revisar la evolución de los pacientes con tratamiento.DISEÑO:Estudio retrospectivo de cohortes.AJUSTES:Centro de atención terciaria en Montreal, Canadá.PACIENTES:301 pacientes portadores de un reservorio íleo-anal realizados por colitis ulcerosa entre 1985 y 2014.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:Acumulación de la incidencia en el diagnóstico postoperatorio de enfermedad de Crohn.RESULTADOS:Durante una media de 68 meses de seguimiento, la enfermedad de Crohn fué diagnosticada en un tiempo medio de 77 meses (8-270) en 38 pacientes (12,6%). La acumulación de incidencia de la enfermedad de Crohn fue del 7,5% a los 5 años después de la operación y aumentó gradualmente a 17,7 y 33,0% a los 10 y 20 años. Los siguientes factores predictivos para la enfermedad de Crohn se observaron en el análisis univariado: tabaquismo activo al momento de la cirugía (cociente de riesgo (HR) 3.56 (intervalo de confianza del 95% (IC) 1.54-8.22)), sospecha de colitis indeterminada (HR 3.50 (IC del 95% 1.69-7.24)), presencia de úlceras en la boca antes de la cirugía (HR 2.16 (IC 95% 1.03-4.53)) y edad al diagnóstico de colitis ulcerosa (HR 0.94 (IC 95% 0.90-0.97)). La sospecha de colitis indeterminada (HR 3.18 (IC 95% 1.46-6.93), p = 0.004) y la edad al momento del diagnóstico (HR 0.95 (IC 95% 0.91-0.99), p = 0.018) permanecieron estadísticamente significativos en el análisis multivariado. La reacción inflamatoria intestinal postoperatoria fue controlada con tratamiento médico en la mayoría de los pacientes. El retiro del reservorio íleo-anal fue necesario en 16% de los pacientes con enfermedad de Crohn.LIMITACIONES:Estudio retrospectivo de centro único.CONCLUSIONES:El diagnóstico de la enfermedad de Crohn puede ocurrir a distancia de la cirugía con la acumulación de incidencia creciente con el tiempo. Los factores predictivos preo-peratorios son pocos y no pueden determinar la candidatura para la cirugía. Las opciones terapéuticas son idénticas a las disponibles para el tratamiento de la enfermedad de Crohn típica y permiten una evolución favorable en la mayoría de los pacientes. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B372. (Traducción-Dr. Xavier Delgadillo).

Management of pouch-vaginal fistulas - experience from our institution

AIM

Pouch-vaginal fistula (PVF) is an uncommon but serious complication of ileo-anal pouch reconstruction. This study aimed to review the recent management of PVF, in particular the role of anti-tumour necrosis factor (anti-TNF) drugs.

METHOD

All patients presenting for management of PVF to our surgical service between 2007 and 2016 were studied. The median duration of follow-up from diagnosis of PVF was 6 years. Details of the original pouch surgery, timing of presentation of PVF, management and final outcome were recorded. Primary outcome was gastrointestinal (GI) continuity (as defined by the presence or absence of a stoma).

RESULTS

A total of 23 patients were identified (median age 45 years) of whom nine had pelvic sepsis at the time of original pouch surgery. Management included local surgical repair, defunctioning ileostomy, pouch excision and anti-TNF therapy. GI continuity was achieved in 12 patients (52%). Healing of the PVF was achieved in 12 patients (52%). Pelvic sepsis was significantly associated with the need for a long-term ileostomy (P = 0.009). Biological therapy was used in 12 patients, of whom seven maintained GI continuity. Patients with late presentation PVF (60 months or longer postsurgery) and those with clinical features of Crohn's disease appeared to benefit from anti-TNF treatment.

CONCLUSION

PVF remains a challenging problem with overall healing rates and GI continuity rates of just over 50%. Anti-TNF therapy may have a role in patients with late presentation PVF and those with features suggestive of Crohn's disease.

Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis with fluorescence angiography: a case-matched study

AIM

An anastomotic leak in ileoanal pouch surgery may lead to pouch failure. Constructing a tension-free ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) reduces this risk but can be technically challenging, balancing pouch vascularization with ileal mesenteric length and site of vessel ligation. Fluorescence angiography (FA) may help the clinician make a more balanced judgement.

METHODS

Thirty-two patients undergoing minimally invasive completion proctectomy with FA-guided IPAA at two academic centres were matched and compared on a 1:1 basis to a historical group undergoing the same procedure without the use of this technique.

RESULTS

Ligation of the ileocolic vessels was safely performed in 15/32 (47%) of FA patients compared with 5/32 (16%) of historical controls. One patient underwent intra-operative IPAA reconstruction after FA detected ischaemia. No anastomotic leak occurred with FA but there was only one in the historical controls (P = 0.31). The postoperative complication rate was similar between the two groups (P = 0.60).

CONCLUSION

FA is applicable to IPAA surgery and may help to reduce perfusion-related anastomotic leaks. A prospective randomized trial is warranted.

Characterization of risk factors for floppy pouch complex in ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND

Restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis can be associated with a variety of complications, including floppy pouch complex (FPC). FPC is defined as the presence of pouch prolapse, afferent limb syndrome, enterocele, redundant loop, and folding pouch on pouchoscopy or contrasted pouchogram. The main symptoms of patients with FPC are dyschezia, incomplete evacuation, and bloating. The aims of the study were to evaluate the relative frequency of each disorder of FPC and to characterize its risk factors.

METHODS

This case-control study included all eligible patients with FPC from our prospectively maintained, IRB-approved Pouchitis Registry from 2011 to 2017. The control group included the patients without any of the above conditions. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed.

RESULTS

A total of 437 eligible patients were analyzed including 97 (22.2%) with FPC and 340 (77.8%) without FPC, 188 (43.0%) being female, 360 (82.4%) being Caucasians, and 66 (15.1%) having a family history of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). There were 427 patients (97.7%) having J pouches and 10 (2.2%) having S pouches and the median duration from pouch construction to data sensor was 6.0 years (interquartile range 0.962-1.020). In the whole cohort, 64 (66.0%) patients had pouch prolapse, 38 (39.2%) patients had afferent limb syndrome, 10/42 (23.8%) patients had redundant loop, and 3/42 (7.1%) had folding pouch. In multivariable analysis, lower body weight (odds ratio [OR] 0.944; interquartile range; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.913-0.976, P = 0.001) and the presence of family history of IBD (OR 4.098; 95% CI 1.301-12.905, P = 0.013) were associated with a higher risk of FPC.

CONCLUSION

We found that pouch prolapse and afferent limb syndrome are the most common forms of FPC. A lower body weight as well as family history of IBD was found to be risk factors for FPC. The findings will have implications in both diagnosis and investigation of etiopathogenesis of this group of challenging disorders.

Pouch failures following ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for ulcerative colitis

AIM

Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis is a procedure offered to patients with ulcerative colitis who opt for restoration of bowel continuity. The aim of this study was to determine the risk of pouch failure and ascertain the risk factors associated with failure.

METHOD

The study included 1991 patients with ulcerative colitis who underwent ileal pouch-anal anastomosis in Denmark in the period 1980-2013. Pouch failure was defined as excision of the pouch or presence of an unreversed stoma within 1 year after its creation. We used Cox proportional hazards regression to explore the association between pouch failure and age, gender, synchronous colectomy, primary faecal diversion, annual hospital volume (very low, 1-5 cases per year; low, 6-10; intermediate 11-20; high > 20), calendar year, laparoscopy and primary sclerosing cholangitis.

RESULTS

Over a median 11.4 years, 295 failures occurred, corresponding to 5-, 10- and 20-year cumulative risks of 9.1%, 12.1% and 18.2%, respectively. The risk of failure was higher for women [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.39, 95% CI 1.10-1.75]. Primary non-diversion (aHR 1.63, 95% CI 1.11-2.41) and a low hospital volume (aHR, very low volume vs high volume 2.30, 95% CI 1.26-4.20) were also associated with a higher risk of failure. The risk of failure was not associated with calendar year, primary sclerosing cholangitis, synchronous colectomy or laparoscopy.

CONCLUSION

In a cohort of patients from Denmark (where pouch surgery is centralized) with ulcerative colitis and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis, women had a higher risk of pouch failure. Of modifiable factors, low hospital volume and non-diversion were associated with a higher risk of pouch failure.

Surgical options in the treatment of ulcerative colitis

Children and young adults with ulcerative colitis tend to present with more extensive colonic disease than an adult population. The need for surgical intervention in the pediatric population with ulcerative colitis occurs earlier after diagnosis and has a greater incidence than a comparably matched adult population with an estimated need for colectomy at 5 years following diagnosis of 14-20%. Perhaps, even more than the adult population, there is a desire to restore intestinal continuity for the pediatric patient to achieve as healthy and normal quality of life as possible. With surgery playing such a prominent role in the treatment of ulcerative colitis in this age group, an understanding of the surgical treatment options that are available is important. The surgeon's awareness of the complexities of the different operations associated with proctocolectomy and reestablishing intestinal continuity may help to avoid early complications and minimize the risk of less than ideal long-term outcomes.