Pectin and methyl cellulose do not affect intestinal function in patients after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis

Although ileal pouch-anal anastomosis is the procedure of choice for most patients with ulcerative colitis or familial adenomatous polyposis, most patients have problems with stool frequency and/or consistency. Although most clinicians recommend fiber supplementation for these patients, we could find no studies that prove the efficacy of this practice. The first purpose of this study was to document the effect of fiber supplementation on intestinal function in patients after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. Because pectin, a soluble fiber supplement, has been reported to slow gastric and intestinal transit, we also hypothesized that pectin would be a superior fiber supplement in these patients. The second purpose, therefore, was to determine whether the effects of pectin on intestinal transit would result in decreased stool frequency in patients with an ileal pouch.

Thirteen patients who had undergone ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for ulcerative colitis were entered into a 9-wk crossover study. The protocol consisted of three 2-wk study periods, each of which was preceded by a 1-wk washout period. During the three study periods patients supplemented their diets, in random order, with Citrucel, 1 tablespoon twice daily; pectin, 1 tablespoon twice daily; or no supplement. Patients maintained detailed dietary and bowel function diaries.

The effects (mean +/- SE) of Citrucel and pectin supplementation are summarized in Table 1. There was no significant effect of either supplement on stool frequency, pouch function, bloating, or stool consistency. In addition, there were no differences in continence.

We found no evidence to support the common practice of fiber supplementation in patients with an ileal pouch. Furthermore, this study did not find that stool frequency decreased during supplementation with pectin. We conclude that there is little role for fiber supplementation in patients with an ileal pouch.