Prevalence of ‘pouch failure’ of the ileoanal pouch in ulcerative colitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background and aims The ileoanal pouch (IPAA) provides patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) that have not responded to medical therapy an option to retain bowel continuity and defecate without the need for a long-term stoma. Despite good functional outcomes, some pouches fail, requiring permanent diversion, pouchectomy, or a redo pouch. The incidence of pouch failure ranges between 2 and 15% in the literature. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis aiming to define the prevalence of pouch failure in patients with UC who have undergone IPAA using population-based studies. Methods We searched Embase, Embase classic and PubMed from 1978 to 31st of May 2021 to identify cross-sectional studies that reported the prevalence of pouch failure in adults (≥ 18 years of age) who underwent IPAA for UC. Results Twenty-six studies comprising 23,389 patients were analysed. With < 5 years of follow-up, the prevalence of pouch failure was 5% (95%CI 3–10%). With ≥ 5 but < 10 years of follow-up, the prevalence was 5% (95%CI 4–7%). This increased to 9% (95%CI 7–16%) with ≥ 10 years of follow-up. The overall prevalence of pouch failure was 6% (95%CI 5–8%). Conclusions The overall prevalence of pouch failure in patients over the age of 18 who have undergone restorative proctocolectomy in UC is 6%. These data are important for counselling patients considering this operation. Importantly, for those patients with UC being considered for a pouch, their disease course has often resulted in both physical and psychological morbidity and hence providing accurate expectations for these patients is vital.

Anastomotic Leak after Ileal Pouch–Anal Anastomosis

There are special considerations when treating anastomotic leak after restorative proctocolectomy and ileal pouch–anal anastomosis. The epidemiology, risk factors, anatomic considerations, diagnosis and management, as well as the short- and long-term consequences to the patient are unique to this patent population. Additionally, there are specific concerns such as “tip of the J” leaks, transanal management of anastomotic leak/presacral sinus, functional outcomes after leak, and considerations of redo pouch procedures.

TWISTED POUCH SYNDROME - A DIFFICULT TO DIAGNOSE MECHANICAL COMPLICATION OF ILEAL POUCH-ANAL ANASTOMOSIS: OUTCOMES AFTER REDO POUCH PROCEDURES

Background Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) is a technically demanding procedure. Intraoperatively, great care must be taken to assure a straight superior mesenteric axis. Rarely, twisted pouches are inadvertently constructed, resulting in deviations of expected pouch function, i.e. patients readily able to open their bowels on average 7x/24 hours without pain. Twisted pouches may result in symptoms classified as pouch dysfunction. Herein we describe our quaternary pouch referral center experience with twisted pouch syndrome (TPS). Methods We performed a retrospective review of our prospectively maintained pouch registry from 1995 – 2020. Patients were identified using free-text search of redo IPAA operative reports for variations of the term “twist”. We defined twisted pouch syndrome as intraoperative findings of twisting of the pouch as the primary pathology. Data are presented as frequency (proportion) or median (interquartile range). Results Over 25-years, we identified 29 patients with confirmed TPS who underwent a redo pouch procedure by 10 surgeons. Overall, 65% were female, median BMI 21.2 (19.5 – 26) kg/m2. The duration from the index IPAA to the redo procedure was 4 (2 – 8) years; all (100%) were referral cases constructed elsewhere. Original diagnoses included: ulcerative colitis (90%), FAP (10%), lack of interstitial cells of Cajal in 1 patient (10%). All patients presented with symptoms of pouch dysfunction including erratic bowel habits (96%) with urgency/frequency, abdominal/pelvic/rectal pain (92%), and obstructive symptoms (88%). Most had (75%) been treated for chronic pouchitis with antibiotics or biologics, and 46% had undergone 1 or more additional surgery. Prior to redo IPAA procedure patients underwent a thorough workup: 100% pouchoscopy, 96% GGE, 93% underwent EUA, 88% MRI, 73% manometry, and 42% defecography. TPS was diagnosed in 15% by pouchoscopy, in 10% by imaging, and in 75% was diagnosed intra-operatively at re-diversion (20%) or revision/redo IPAA (55%). In terms of surgical intervention, 85% were initially re-diverted. A total of 18 (62%) underwent pouch revision, and 10 (38%) required redo-IPAA. Short-term outcomes: LOS 7.5 (5 – 9) days, any complication 48%, readmission 11%, reoperation 3.4%, zero mortalities. After a median follow-up 50 (28 – 60) months, 2 never had loop ileostomy closure, 1 had pouch excision, and 1 a Kock pouch, yielding an overall pouch survival rate of 86%. Conclusions Twisted pouch syndrome presents with pouch dysfunction manifest by erratic bowel habits, unexplained pain, and obstructive (defecation) symptoms. This syndrome may also mimic chronic pouchitis. Despite a thorough workup which may suggest a mechanical problem, many patient may not be diagnosed until time of redo pouch surgery. Redo surgery for twisted pouch syndrome results in long-term pouch survival for the majority.