[Technical pitfalls and failures in ileo-anal anastomosis]

During past nine years, our Department performed 115 J-pouch ileoanal anastomosis in a three stage procedure, of whom 7 (6.1%) experienced pouch failure. Pelvic or intra-abdominal sepsis was the major cause of pouch failure. Our current technique, the technical pitfalls of this procedure and possible countermeasures are described. Most of the septic complications can and should be prevented by careful patient management and proper surgical techniques.