Impact of anal manipulation and pouch design on ileal pouch function

The frequency of defecation, leakage, maximum resting pressure, and maximum squeeze pressure of the anal canal, maximum tolerated volume, and pouch compliance were evaluated in 116 consecutive patients following total proctocolectomy (TPC) with ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) and after temporary ileostomy closure. Sixty-nine patients had a double ileal loop pouch ("J") and 47 a triple ("S") design. Seventy patients had mucosal proctectomy and hand-sewn IPAA (mucosectomy) and 46 a stapled IPAA without mucosal proctectomy (stapled). Fifty percent of the S and 30% of the J pouch patients did not have nocturnal defecations. The avoidance of anal manipulation in the stapled group resulted in higher anal canal resting pressures and a lower incidence of leakage. The maximum tolerated volume and compliance was greater in the S pouch group than in the J group. Although the median frequency of defecation was equal in both pouch groups, fewer S pouch patients had nocturnal defecations. Anal canal resting tone may be the primary factor affecting continence following TPC and IPAA, but a compliant pouch may prevent leakage if sphincter function is compromised.