[Proctocolectomy with J pouch. Ileo-anal anastomosis performed with PPH stapler. Our experiences after 88 cases]

Ulcerative colitis (CU) or Familiar Polyposis (FAP) can be the indication for proctocolectomy reconstructed with J pouch. The complete removal of the colon mucosa is essential regarding the late complications and at the same time the atraumatic surgical technique is very important concerning on the long term functional results. Both aspects seems to be answered by the stapled ileo-anal anastomosis using a "procedure for prolaps and haemorrhoids (PPH)" stapler applied by us since 2000.

117 proctocolectomies reconstructed with J pouch and ileo-anal anastomosis were performed in our department between March 1990 and September 2016 indicated by CU or by FAP. In the first time period the ileo-anal anastomosis was sutured by hand (29 cases) and since 2000 the PPH stapler was applied as a routine (88 patients). Deviating ileostomy was performed in most cases of us. The data of the 117 patients were collected from the database of our hospital, 45 of them were interviewed personally and another 31 patients were contacted by phone, so 76 patients (65%) were eligible for follow-up. Frequency of stool, use of loperamid, level of incontinence (Wexner score) and perianal dermatitis were detected. The mean follow-up time was 18.6 years in the hand-sewn anastomosis group and 7.6 years in the PPH group.

In the hand-sewn anastomosis group in 4/29 cases (13.8%) the removal of the pouch with definite ileostomy were necessary (2 pouchitis, 1 pouch necrosis, 1 recidiv rectum cancer); the mean stool frequency was 4.3 per day; the Wexner incontinence score was 8.5 and 2/15 patients (13.3%) live with ileostomy caused by incontinence. In the PPH stapled ileo-anal anastomosis group in 4/88 cases (4.5%) were the pouch removed (caused by pouchitis), the mean stool frequency was 4.0 per day; the Wexner score was 7.6 and 4/61 patients (6.6%) live with ileostomy caused by incontinence.

Based on our experience the ileo-anal anastomosis performed by PPH stapler is technically feasible, seems to be effective concerning on the complete removal of the rectal mucosa and we observed better functional results compared with the hand-sewn anastomosis. Our data should be confirmed because of the low patients' volume.