Surgical management of total ulcerative colitis and familial adenomatous polyposis

Total ulcerative colitis (UC) and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) are two major diseases that require total removal of the colorectal mucosa. To provide a high quality of postoperative life, various surgical techniques have been used. However, results were far from ideal. Since 1978, we have worked on the ileoanal anastomosis (IAA) technique to achieve both radical removal of the mucosa and preservation of natural anal function. From 1979 to 1991, a total of 155 patients were treated by IAA. To evaluate the surgical results, these patients were divided into three groups: the Tokyo series (49 cases, 1979-1983), Hyogo I series (49 cases 1983-1988) and Hyogo II series (57 cases, 1989-1991). The success rates in terms of preservation of anal continence were: 58% (UC) and 78% (FAP) in the Tokyo series, 84% (UC) and 96% (FAP) in the Hyogo I series and 92% (UC) and 100% (FAP) in the Hyogo II series. The surgical time and blood loss were significantly reduced in the later series. Of the 82 patients followed up for 6 mo in the two Hyogo series, anal continence was normal or nearly normal in 54 patients, with only minor leakage at night in 22 patients. Septic complications in the pelvic caused the majority of surgical failures. We conclude that improved IAA techniques can achieve total removal of the colorectal mucosa and preserve anal function in more than 90% of patients with UC or FAP. However, the skill of an experienced surgeon is still required to achieve this goal. The long-term outcome of anal function after such procedures needs further evaluation.