Continence following ileo-anal anastomosis with an antiperistaltic terminal ileal segment

The procedure of total colectomy, excision of the rectal mucosa and ileo-anal anastomosis with or without a proximal small intestinal reservoir has been described as a method of treating patients with ulcerative colitis and familial polyposis coli. The purpose of constructing a terminal ileal reservoir is to reduce the severe diarrhoea which often occurs following ileo-anal anastomosis. It is suggested that the use of a single antiperistaltic segment for this purpose would reduce the diarrhoea, and provide continence. This has been tested in the dog and the results are reported in this publication.