Long-term follow-up of the Jinling procedure for combined slow-transit constipation and obstructive defecation

Surgery is indicated for chronic constipation refractory to conservative therapy. The treatment of combined slow-transit constipation and obstructive defecation is controversial.

The aim of the study is to describe the Jinling procedure and examine safety, effectiveness, and quality of life over 4 years of follow-up.

The study is a retrospective review of prospectively gathered data in a patient registry database.

This investigation was conducted at a tertiary-care gastroenterology surgical center in China.

The study included 117 consecutive patients with slow-transit constipation combined with obstructive defecation treated between January 2005 and December 2007.

The Jinling procedure modifies the classic procedure of subtotal colectomy with colorectal anastomosis by adding a new side-to-side cecorectal anastomosis to solve the coexistence of obstructive defecation and slow-transit constipation in one operation.

We measured morbidity and mortality rates, Wexner constipation scores, and Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index at baseline and after 1, 6, 12, 24, 36 and 48 months of follow-up.

A total of 117 patients underwent the Jinling procedure, which was laparoscopically assisted in 56 patients (47.9%) and an open procedure in 61 patients (52.1%). Of the total, 72 patients (61.5%) had undergone previous surgical intervention without improvement. A total of 28 complications and adverse events were reported in 117 procedures, giving an overall morbidity rate of 23.9%; 23 patients (19.7%) had 1 or more events. Most complications were managed conservatively. A significant reduction in Wexner constipation score was observed from baseline (mean, 21.9) to 1 month (mean, 9.8), and the reduction was maintained at 48 months (mean 5.1; p < 0.001). Compared with baseline, significant overall improvements were also seen in gastrointestinal quality of life at 12, 24, and 48 months of follow-up (p < 0.01).

This study did not include a comparison group.

Our clinical practice demonstrates that Jinling procedure is safe and effective for refractory slow-transit constipation associated with obstructive defecation, with minimal major complications, significant improvement of quality of life, and a high satisfaction rate after 4-year follow up.