[The expanded ileal pouch as a reservoir in continence preserving proctocolectomy. An experimental study on the pig]

Silicone balloons were inserted into bypassed segments of terminal ileum of five mini-pigs. The balloons were expanded over a period of 3 months, thereby creating pouches with a mean volume of 700 cm3 (a 9.5-fold increase). Functional proctocolectomy was performed and the bypassed segment was than placed in continuity with its terminal end at the previous site of the anus, thus creating a neorectum. One year later, the three pigs were still alive. They were continent and stool frequency was 2-3 times a day. The final mean volume of the pouch was still 360 cm3, corresponding to a 5.7-fold increase. At the end of the experiment significant hypertrophy of the bowel wall thickness was observed compared to the controls. The rectal X-ray contrast study demonstrated a new rectal reservoir without fistula or stenosis.