Colonic pouchography is not routinely required prior to stoma closure.
BACKGROUND
Colonic pouch formation with pouch-anal anastomosis is now regarded as the procedure of choice for restoration of intestinal continuity following anterior resection for low rectal cancers. The aim of this study was to review the necessity for routine colonic pouchography prior to closure of a diverting loop stoma.


METHODS
This was a prospective study of 52 consecutive patients who underwent colonic pouch formation between 1 June 1999 and 31 May 2002, four of whom have subsequently died. Each pouch was assessed clinically and radiologically prior to stoma closure.


RESULTS
There were no clinical anastomotic leaks. Forty-six of 48 surviving patients have had a colonic pouchogram and in no case was either a pouch or pouch-anal anastomotic defect identified. To date 40 patients have undergone stoma closure without an anastomosis-related complication.


CONCLUSIONS
Following successful colonic pouch formation, routine study of the pouch by contrast radiology does not add to clinical assessment. As a consequence radiological imaging is unnecessary and can be omitted.
MacLeod
I
I
Colorectal Unit, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Aberdeen, UK.
Watson
A J M
AJ
Hampton
J
J
Hussey
J K
JK
O'Kelly
T J
TJ
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical; D003106:Colon / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D039021:Colonic Pouches; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007081:Ileostomy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016737:Proctocolectomy, Restorative; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011859:Radiography; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D012007:Rectum / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D054047:Surgical Stomas