[Surgical strategy to save ileoanal pouch reconstruction]

Restorative proctocolectomy under formation of an ileoanal/ileorectal J‑pouch has become the procedure of choice in the therapy of ulcerative colitis. Although patients experience a dramatic improvement of their quality of life, surgery is not successful in about 5-10% of all treated patients. The reasons for failure are chronic pouchitis, incontinence, delayed diagnosis of Crohn's disease, fistula, surgical complications, too long remnant rectal stump, chronic abscess, and surgical technical errors. Some of the reasons do not always prevent the loss of a well-functioning ileoanal pouch. In many cases, correction, closure of fistulas or even a complete reconstruction of the ileoanal pouch are possible. Based on a review of the literature and our own experience, we show in 887 patients a success rate of 75% with acceptable pouch function. Indications, technics, and results are presented.