Elimination of mucosectomy during restorative proctocolectomy in patients with ulcerative colitis may provide better results in low-volume centers.

BACKGROUND:

To compare the outcomes of hand-sewn and double-stapling techniques among ulcerative colitis patients undergoing restorative proctocolectomy at a center that has limited experience with restorative proctocolectomy.

METHODS:

Forty-four patients with ulcerative colitis were divided into two groups according to the anastomosis techniques: hand sewing and double stapling. Postoperative early and late complications, postoperative hospital stay, and long-term functional results were compared.

RESULTS:

Pelvic sepsis (9% versus 36%, P = 0.03), operation time (median 240 minutes versus 270 minutes, P = 0.01), postoperative hospital stay (median 9 days versus 12 days, P = 0.04), and night incontinence (42% versus 80%, P = 0.07) were less common in the double-stapling group.

CONCLUSIONS:

We recommend the double-stapling technique to centers that do not have extensive experience with restorative proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis. This technique provides a good postoperative course in most patients and provides satisfactory long-term results. The results of the double-stapling group were similar to the results of the high-volume centers.