Stapled ileo-anal anastomosis: a technique to avoid mucosal proctectomy in the ileal pouch operation.

Ten patients have undergone abdominal proctocolectomy with the formation of an ileal reservoir anastomosed onto the anal canal using a stapling device. This technique avoids stripping of the rectal mucosa from the muscle tube (mucosal proctectomy) which is time consuming and often difficult. One patient is awaiting closure of her ileostomy. The remaining seven are continent and are passing between one and six motions a day.