Outcome after septic complications in J pouch procedures

Background: Despite the wide range of surgical approaches for pouch salvage, septic complications are among the main causes of pouch failure. Methods: This study analysed the mode and outcome of various therapeutic approaches for pouch salvage and the impact of time of diagnosis, localization and form of septic complications on the risk of pouch failure in 131 patients with septic complications of a total of 706 patients undergoing a J pouch procedure. Results: Septic complications consisted of 76·3 per cent fistulas, 15·3 per cent anastomotic breakdowns and 8·4 per cent pelvic abscesses. A total of 107 patients (81·7 per cent) with septic complications required a mean of 2·2 surgical procedures. The frequency of permanent defunctioning and excision of the pouch in the 131 patients with septic complications was 23·7 and 6·1 per cent respectively. The estimated cumulative 3‐, 5‐ and 10‐year rate of pouch failure in patients with septic complications was 19·6, 31·1 and 39·2 per cent respectively. The risk of pouch failure was significantly affected by the site of origin of septic complications (P = 0·02). The 5‐year pouch failure rate increased in a subgroup of patients with septic complications at the pouch–anal anastomosis when the anal sphincter was involved (50·1 versus 29·2 per cent; P = 0·18). Conclusion: Pouch failure as a result of septic complications may occur several years after ileal pouch–anal anastomosis. For prevention of pouch failure, surgery for septic complications is required in a high percentage of patients and repeated attempts are justified. Follow‐up studies are required for further analysis of pouch failure. © 2002 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd