Sacral neuromodulation improves functional outcome and quality of life in patients with pouch dysfunction after pan proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis.

BACKGROUND

Postoperative frequency of bowel movements and impaired fecal continence (FI) has a negative impact on quality of life following ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is a validated treatment of FI, but its effectiveness in patients with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) has been poorly reported. The aim was to assess the results of SNM in patients with IPAA suffering from functional disorders and to compare these results with those of patients routinely treated by SNM for FI.

METHODS

A 3-week test phase was performed before definitive implantation of the pulse generator. Patients' data were prospectively gathered in a dedicated registry. Patients with IPAA were then compared with a matched-paired control group of patients routinely treated by SNM for FI.

RESULTS

Between 2007 and 2020, 14 patients with IPAA were tested and 12 (85%) were implanted. This group was compared with a matched group of 20 patients implanted for FI. After a mean follow-up of 4.8 [0.5-16] years, there was a significant decrease of weekly leaks (29 versus 2; p = 0.01), decrease in Wexner score (15 versus 10.8; p = 0.01), and an improvement in quality of life (fecal incontinence quality of life (FIQOL) 1.853 versus 2.42; p = 0.01). Patients with IPAA evolved equally as compared with the control group in terms of Wexner score and quality of life at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years.

CONCLUSIONS

SNM provides a significant decrease of leaks and improves Wexner scores and quality of life in patients with IPAA. The effectiveness seems comparable to patients routinely treated by SNM for FI. SNM indications could be extended to patients with IPAA who present with bad functional outcome.