The ileo neo rectal anastomosis: long-term results of surgical innovation in patients after ulcerative colitis and familial adenomatous polyposis.

PURPOSE

Restorative proctocolectomy with ileo neo rectal anastomosis (INRA) combines cure of ulcerative colitis (UC) or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) with restoration of intestinal continuity. Evaluation of long-term results was needed to determine if there is a place for INRA in the armamentarium of a surgeon besides the ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA).

METHODS

All patients with INRA were included in the analysis. Patient demographics and clinical and follow-up data (morbidity, dietary problems, defecation frequency, fecal continence, anal and neorectal physiology, and neorectal mucosa assessment) were registered prospectively.

RESULTS

Seventy-nine patients were enrolled, and in 58 patients (50 UC, 8 FAP), INRA was successful. In 21 patients, intraoperative conversion to IPAA was needed. In 49 patients with INRA, a functional reservoir was achieved. No pelvic sepsis or bladder or sexual dysfunction occurred. Thirteen patients experienced episodes of reservoir inflammation. Median bowel movements of six (5, 8) with a nocturnal defecation frequency of one were recorded with fecal continence or minor incontinence. Anal manometry and neorectal physiology showed a decrease in resting pressure and an increase in squeeze pressure and maximum tolerated volume. The median follow-up was 8.1 years (6.7, 10.1).

CONCLUSIONS

This is an example of a surgical innovation with a theoretical potential to be superior to the current technique. This potential was not confirmed in short- and long-term evaluations. Hence, IPAA is currently the best available alternative to a conventional ileostomy.