Fate of the rectum in patients undergoing total colectomy for Crohn's disease

Background: This study aimed to analyse disease recurrence and fate of the rectum in patients who had a total colectomy for Crohn's disease. Methods: One hundred and forty‐four patients who had a total colectomy for Crohn's colitis were reviewed retrospectively. Ileorectal anastomosis (IRA) was performed in 118 patients, while 26 never had an IRA after colectomy because of severe anorectal lesions. Factors associated with recurrence and rectal preservation failure were studied. Results: The probability of clinical recurrence after IRA was 58 and 83 per cent at 5 and 10 years respectively. The probability of rectal preservation at 5 and 10 years was 70 and 63 per cent after colectomy, and 86 and 86 per cent after IRA, respectively. Patients with extraintestinal manifestation had a higher risk of recurrence and of rectal preservation failure. Previous ileal involvement was associated with a higher rate of ileal recurrence after IRA. After IRA, prophylactic treatment with 5‐aminosalicylic acid was associated with a lower rate of recurrence and of failure to preserve the rectum. Conclusion: Overall, 63 per cent of patients had a functioning IRA 10 years after total colectomy. Absence of extraintestinal manifestation and prophylactic treatment with 5‐aminosalicylates after IRA were the main factors associated with long‐term rectal preservation. © 2002 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd