Ileoneorectal anastomosis: early clinical results of a restorative procedure for ulcerative colitis and familial adenomatous polyposis without formation of an ileoanal pouch.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate a new surgical procedure, ileoneorectal anastomosis (INRA), in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP).

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Surgical treatment in UC and FAP aims to resect diseased colonic mucosa and restore oroanal continuity. The ileopouch anal anastomosis achieves this but has a 15% to 35% complication rate, a 10% failure rate, and an unpredictable functional outcome. An alternative surgical technique, INRA, has been developed in which the rectal mucosa is replaced by a vascularized ileal mucosa graft.

METHODS

Eleven patients underwent an INRA procedure with a temporary diverting ileostomy. Clinical history, repeat endoscopy, histologic examination, and rectal compliance measurements were carried out before and after surgery.

RESULTS

The INRA procedure was technically successful in all patients. Endoscopy showed ingrowth of ileal mucosa in the neorectum, with 100% coverage after 6 weeks. No patient had pelvic sepsis, neorectal-anal or -vaginal fistula, autonomic nerve damage, or fecal incontinence. Neorectal function improved with time. The median 24-hour defecation frequency decreased from 15 (range 9 to 25) to 7 (range 4 to 10) at 11 months follow-up, and the median maximum tolerated volume increased to 157 (range 130 to 225) ml. Anal manometry and electrosensitivity were not affected by the surgery. Histologic biopsy samples after 1 year showed a normal small intestinal mucous membrane, without inflammation or fibrosis.

CONCLUSION

The combination of a low complication rate and good neorectal function at 1 year is a substantial improvement that justifies extension of the clinical application in patients with UC and FAP.