Does the level of stapled ileoanal anastomosis influence physiologic and functional outcome?

PURPOSE: The aim of this investigation was to ascertain how the length of anal canal preserved above the dentate line in stapled end-to-end ileoanal anastomosis influenced late outcome.
METHODS: Two groups, high cuff group and low cuff group of nine subjects with stapled anastomosis, matched for sex, age, pouch configuration, and mean follow-up, representing the highest (median, 2.5 cm) and lowest (median, 0.7 cm) anal cuff lengths in our series, were selected. Physiologic and functional parameters were appraised preoperatively, at the time of ileostomy closure, and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after reestablishment of intestinal continuity.
RESULTS: At one year, the drop in mean anal canal resting pressure was 13 percent in the high cuff group (not significant) and 31 percent in the low cuff group (P < 0.05); mean maximum squeezing pressure did not differ significantly from preoperative values in both groups. The mean volume of the ileal pouch was higher in the low cuff group at all insufflation pressures. The rectoanal inhibition reflex reappeared in four high cuff group patients and in none of the low cuff group patients. Mean distention pressure (cm H2O) and volume (ml) eliciting urge sensation were 80 and 360 in the low cuff group compared with 40 and 240 in the high cuff group (P < or = 0.05). Daytime bowel movements and night incontinence were significantly better in the low cuff group. No statistical differences were observed for night stool frequency, daytime incontinence, pad use (day and night), discrimination between gas and feces, ability to defer evacuation, and difficulty in emptying the pouch.
CONCLUSION: Patients with stapled anastomoses and a low rectal cuff length, despite presenting lower anal resting pressure and absence of rectoanal inhibition reflex, had a better functional outcome in terms of continence than those with a high cuff length.