The pelvic ileal reservoir. An experimental comparison of the 3-loop and 2-loop systems

In an experimental study the function of the 3-loop (Parks) pelvic ileal reservoir was compared with that of the 2-loop (Utsunomiya) reservoir. Both types achieved satisfactory degrees of continence and evacuation when tested in the defunctioned state. Following restoration of intestinal continuity, the stools of dogs with 3-loop pouches were usually liquid (69 percent) compared to the more formed stools (72 percent) in the 2-loop group, P less than 0.001. At postmortem the reservoirs of the 3-loop group were found to have undergone much greater dilatation (P less than 0.05). These findings suggest that construction of the 3-loop (Parks) pelvic reservoir may lead to retention with overflow if catheterization is not used. It is not clear whether the superior function of the 2-loop pouch is attributable to better motor function or the absence of an efferent limb which allows it to be placed deep in the pelvis.