ObjectiveTo evaluate prospectively long-term quality of life and functional outcome after restorative proctocolectomy (RPC) with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis, and to evaluate and validate a novel quality-of-life indicator in this group of patients. Summary Background DataRestorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis is now the preferred option when total proctocolectomy is required for ulcerative colitis or familial adenomatous polyposis, but long-term data on functional outcome and quality of life after the procedure are lacking. MethodsPatients (n ϭ 977) who underwent RPC with stapled anastomosis for colitis or polyposis coli and who were followed for Ն12 months were included. Quality of life, fecal incontinence, and satisfaction with surgery were prospectively evaluated by structured interview or questionnaire for 1 to 12 years after surgery (median 5.0). Quality of life was scored using the Cleveland Global Quality of Life (CGQL) instrument (Fazio Score). This is a novel score developed over the past 15 years by the senior author. Quality of life was also evaluated in a subgroup of patients with the Short Form 36 (SF-36). The CGQL was validated by determining its reliability, responsiveness, and validity as well as its correlation with the SF-36 score. ResultsPostoperative quality of life as measured by SF-36 was excellent and compared well with published norms for the general U.S. population. The CGQL was found to be reliable, responsive, and valid, and there was a high correlation with the SF-36 scores. Using the CGQL, quality of life was shown to increase after the first 2 years after surgery, and there was no deterioration thereafter. The prevalence of perfect continence increased from 75.5% before surgery to 82.4% after surgery, and although this deteriorated somewhat Ͼ2 years after surgery, it was no worse than preoperative values. Ninety-eight percent of patients would recommend the surgery to others. ConclusionsLong-term quality of life after ileal pouch surgery is excellent and the level of continence is satisfactory. This surgery is an excellent long-term option in patients requiring total proctocolectomy. The CGQL is a simple, valid, and reliable measure of quality of life after pelvic pouch surgery and may well be applicable in many other clinical conditions.Reconstructive proctocolectomy (RPC) with formation of ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) was introduced by Parks and Nicholls in 1978. 1 Panproctocolectomy with IPAA is considered the preferred option for the surgical treatment of inflammatory bowel disease because it removes the diseased bowel, reduces the risk of cancer, and preserves a natural route for defecation while maintaining fecal continence and avoiding the need for a permanent stoma. 2Restorative proctocolectomy is also recommended for the majority of patients with familial adenomatous polyposis, particularly where the rectum is significantly affected by adenomas. We and others have shown that the operation is safe and effective in the majority of patients. [3][4...

Pouch prolapse is rare, and there are no obvious predisposing factors. Mucosal prolapse may be treated by stool bulking or a local perineal procedure. Full thickness prolapse requires definitive surgery and is associated with risk of pouch loss.

Granulomas were associated with increased extra-intestinal manifestations and perianal disease, a lower body mass index and younger or female patients. There was no correlation between the presence of granulomas and disease progression or recurrence rates during the short follow-up period of this study.

Interestingly, proportionally more younger, single FCR than MCR returned the questionnaires. The significance of this finding is uncertain. Acknowledgment of these differences will promote more understanding and job satisfaction in both academic and private practice.

Background Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been used for the treatment of perianal Crohn’s fistulizing disease by direction injection. However, to date, studies have excluded patients with proctitis, anal canal involvement, vaginal involvement, and an ileal pouch in situ. We sought to assess the safety and efficacy of a direct injection of MSCs for the treatment of perianal, rectovaginal, and peripouch Crohn’s fistula(s). Methods Three phase IB/IIA randomized control trials of perianal (n=23), rectovaginal (n=19) and peripouch (n=22) Crohn’s related fistulas were conducted to determine safety and efficacy of MSCs for refractory phenotypes of perianal Crohn’s disease. Crohn’s patients with perianal, rectovaginal, and peripouch Crohn’s fistulizing disease were offered enrollment into a clinical trial. A total of 75 million MSCs were administered with a 22G needle by direct injection after curettage and primary closure of the fistula tract. A repeat injection of 75 million MSCs was administered at 3 months if complete clinical and radiographic healing were not achieved. Adverse and serious adverse events were collected at post procedure day 1, week 2, week 6, month 3, month 6 and month 12. Clinical healing, radiographic healing per magnetic resonance imaging, and patient reported outcomes were assessed at the same time points. Results A total of 64 patients were enrolled and treated; 49 were treatment and 15 were control. There were no adverse or serious adverse events reported related to investigational product. At twelve months, overall combined clinical and radiographic healing was achieved in 70% of perianal, 37.5% of rectovaginal, and 46.2% of ileal pouch fistulas, respectfully. In the control cohorts, 12 month healing was 0%, 0%, and 0% in the three clincial trials respectively. The perianal Crohn’s disease activity index and VanAssche score all significantly decreased in treatment patients at six and twelve months, but not in the control groups. Conclusion Allogeneic bone marrow derived MSCs offer a safe and effective alternative treatment approach for severe phenotypes of perianal fistulizing Crohn’s disease.