[Pouchitis: acute inflammation in the pelvic ileal reservoir. Diagnostic criteria, frequency, possible etiological factors and treatment].

Pouchitis is a significant long-term complication of restorative proctocolectomy. Pouchitis is characterized by diarrhoea, fever, malaise, abdominal pain and in few a patients a worsening of already present extraintestinal manifestations may occur. The estimated probability of pouchitis occurring within five years is approximately 35%. Standard diagnostic criteria have not yet been established, but clinical symptoms, endoscopic and histological features should be included. The cause of pouchitis is unknown, bacterial over-growth, faecal stasis, oxygen free radicals, secondary and deconjugated bile acids, shortchain fatty acids, gastrointestinal hormones and an immunologically-mediated reaction have all been suggested as possible etiological factors. Metronidazole is the most commonly used treatment and has prompt effect in more than 90% of the patients. Steroids and 5-aminosalicylic acid derivatives also seem to be effective. A diverting ileostomy is necessary in only five to seven percent of the patients, and in less than one percent does pouchitis result in excision of the pouch. Controlled trials with uniform diagnostic criteria are required to assess the effectiveness of the individual regimens.