Proctocolectomy and stapled ileo-anal anastomosis without mucosal proctectomy

The present study compared the outcome of a small series of patients (7 cases) who underwent total proctocolectomy without mucosal proctectomy and stapled ileal pouch-anal anastomosis made at the apex of the anal transitional zone, with our previous experience (17 cases) in which the ileal pouch was anastomosed at the dentate line after mucosectomy. Though not statistically significant, our limited experience showed excellent clinical results with better continence and discriminating ability of flatus from faeces in the former group. The resting anal pressure profile was not changed postoperatively. The operation time was significantly reduced compared with our previous approach which was a time-consuming procedure. There was an indication that risk of complications (pelvic sepsis and haemorrhage) was less.