Endoscopy-assisted transanal division of an apical pouch bridge after restorative proctocolectomy with a J-shaped ileal pouch.

Restorative proctocolectomy and J-shaped ileal pouch-anal anastomosis have been performed as a standard operation for ulcerative colitis. However, functional problems are sometimes troublesome in the postoperative period. The J pouch was constructed from 2 ileal limbs using the gastrointestinal anastomosis (GIA) stapler. A residual mucosal bridge remained because the stapler had a safety margin at the top of the cartridge. Apical pouch bridge is a residual septum above the ileoanal anastomosis. There are several reports of so-called apical pouch bridge syndrome due to outlet obstruction of the J-shaped ileal pouch by an apical bridge. Division of this septum can resolve the outlet obstruction. We describe a successful endoscopic procedure for division of an apical pouch bridge. An Endo-GIA stapler was introduced into the ileal pouch alongside the endoscope, and division of the apical bridge required a few firings of the Endo-GIA stapler under transanal endoscopic guidance. The symptoms related to the apical pouch bridge were resolved completely without creation of an ileostomy.