Recurrent Volvulus of an Ileal Pouch Requiring Repeat Pouchopexy: A Lesson Learnt

Introduction. Restorative surgery for ulcerative colitis with ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) is frequently accompanied by complications. Volvulus of the ileal pouch is one of the most rarely reported late complications and to our knowledge no report exists on reoperative surgery for this condition.Case Report.A 58-year-old woman who previously had undergone restorative proctocolectomy due to ulcerative colitis with an IPAA presented with volvulus of the pouch. She was operated with a single row pouchopexy to the presacral fascia. Two months later she returned with a recurrent volvulus. At reoperation, the pouch was found to have become completely detached from the fascia. A new pexy was made by firmly anchoring the pouch with two rows of sutures to the presacral fascia as well as with sutures to the lateral pelvic walls. At follow-up after five months she was free of symptoms.Conclusion. This first report ever on reoperative surgery for volvulus of a pelvic pouch indicates that a single row pouchopexy might be insufficient for preventing retwisting. Several rows seem to be needed.

The Use of Spray Electrocautery to Control Presacral Bleeding: A Report of Four Cases

Bleeding originating from the presacral venous plexus during pelvic operations is difficult to control, constituting a potentially life-threatening complication. Although suture ligatures, packing, and placement of tacks are established hemostatic techniques, they are often proved to be ineffective. We report a simple novel technique using spray diathermy for managing this severe complication. We have applied our method in four patients, two undergoing low anterior resection, and the others undergoing abdominoperineal resection for rectal cancer, that manifested severe presacral bleeding during rectal mobilization. Electrocautery at spray setting was applied slightly above the target bleeders at the presacral fascia, delivering a high-frequency electrical current in combination with drainage suction. In all cases, the method resulted in successful hemostasis. Applying spray electrocautery is a simple and effective method for controlling pre-sacral bleeding. The advantages of using such a method instead of conventional hemostatic techniques include the option of varying the degree of haemostatic effect by altering the frequency and the volume of electric current.